Ex-President re-summoned by Commission of Inquiry into Serious Fraud

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been summoned before the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry on Massive Fraud and Corruption on the 15th of this month.

He was summoned before the Commission to record a statement in connection with the non-payment of Rs200 million to Independent Television Network.

The money is owed to ITN for using its airtime on the propaganda campaigns of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa during the last presidential election.

Several officials of the Special Presidential Commission visited former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Mirihana residence on September 23 to record the statement from him with regard to non-payment of advertising fees to ITN.
Having given a statement, former President Rajapaksa told the media that his presidential election campaign was funded by UPFA.

At the same time the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry on Massive Fraud and Corruption questioned former ministers Keheliya Rambukwella, Dallas Alahapperuma, UPFA former General Secretary Susil Premajayantha and ex-Secretary to the former President Lalith Weeratunga, former Secretary of the then Finance Ministry P.B. Jayasundera and Former Chairman of ITN Anura Siriwardana in connection with the alleged misappropriation of ITN funds.

Former UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha who appeared before the Commission of Inquiry on September 30th told the media subsequently that the persons who were in charge of propaganda campaign of the former President should be held responsible for the misappropriation of ITN funds.