Shiranthi grilled by Presidential Commission of Inquiry

Tuesday, 2 February 2016 00:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was questioned by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) yesterday regarding an irregular transaction at the National Housing Development Authority, during her husband’s tenure in office.

She was questioned by the Commission for over an hour.

The transaction in question was the sale of a house under the NHDA in Mattegoda, to her Media Coordinating Secretary Milinda Ratnayake at much less than the surveyed value of the premises.

While the house was valued at over Rs 5 million, the former first lady’s staffer had purchased the premises for Rs. 500,000.

Speaking to reporters, lawyers for the former President’s wife said that the Commission had evidence under the signature of Shiranthi Rajapaksa, requesting the NHDA to “provide relief” to her staffer. “She did not dictate terms to the Authority or order the Minister to hand over the house at this price,” the lawyers said. National Freedom Front Leader Wimal Weerawansa was the Housing Minister at the time of the transaction.

The former first lady was initially requested to present herself before the Commission on 25 January, but the questioning was postponed till yesterday after her lawyers requested a delay. (DB)

DFT-1-03 Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa waves after providing a statement to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Serious Acts of Fraud and Corruption, yesterday in connection with allegedly providing a house belonging to the National Housing Development Authority to her media coordinating officer at less than the stipulated price – Pic by Shehan Gunasekara