Aluthgamage rejects allegations of 50 bank accounts

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

By Chamodi Gunawardana

MP and former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage yesterday rejected allegations levelled against him over his bank accounts in both local and overseas banks.

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluthgamage said he did not have 50 banks accounts as alleged.

“I only have two personal bank accounts and one is in Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and the other one belongs to an overseas bank. The overseas one was opened to use for my child’s requirements since he is studying in a foreign country,” he said.

However, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) informed court it had uncovered details of Aluthgamage’s alleged fraud. When the CID sought permission to obtain further bank details of Aluthgamage, the Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya ordered it to handover detailed reports of those accounts to the CID.

Meanwhile, Aluthgamage further said he was acquitted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption for the same charges two years ago. He claimed the Government has started a political witch-hunt, arresting and grilling Rajapaksa backers.

Aluthgamage also charged that the local government election which was scheduled to be held in June was postponed due to the United National Party (UNP)’s fear of being defeated. “The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Joint Opposition may have different stances about politics, but on national issues we work together. Therefore we are not afraid to face an election,” he said.