People can no longer be fooled by false promises – Cardinal – The Island
… denies any allegations against him
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila yesterday (09) accused a minister of launching a social media campaign to discredit some opposition MPs following the recent arrest of the owner of Thico Group of Companies Pvt Ltd., Thilini Priyamali, in connection with misappropriation of huge sums of money. MP Gammanpila was singled out as one of those deceived by the woman.
Speaking to the media outside the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the afternoon, lawyer Gammanpila alleged that the minister hired a prominent social media activist to divert public attention from a series of corruption charges against the government. was engaged in construction, real estate, gemstones, trade and films, the businesswoman collected millions of rupees from various people including politicians, businessmen and monks Buddhists, sources said.
The suspect who operated a luxurious office on the 34th floor of the World Trade Center in Colombo at a monthly rent of Rs 1.4 million has been remanded in custody until October 19 by the magistrate of Fort Thilina Gamage pending investigations more in-depth. Magistrate after having arrested her following a complaint received from a businessman for embezzlement of more than Rs 200 mn.
Lawmaker Gammanpila said that at the minister’s request, a social media activist nominated him and several others, including MPs Dayasiri Jayasekera (SLPP Kurunegala district), Hesha Vithanage (SJB Ratnapura district) and Chaminda Wijesiri (SJB Badulla) as near and dear to the suspect.
Stating that he was seeking the intervention of the CID, MP Gammanpila urged the police to release the full list of Priyamali’s contacts obtained during the investigations to prevent interested parties from throwing mud on opponents. Responding to another question, Gammanpila said he raised the issue with Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and was confident that law enforcement authorities could quickly identify those responsible for the list. manufactured.
“Of course there is a list. She had deceived businessmen, politicians, monks and artists. But I’m not one of them,” lawmaker Gammanpila said, urging social media users to be careful when sharing posts. The police should reveal the identity of those who had been deceived by the suspect as well as her accomplices.
Lawmaker Gammanpila alleged he suspected the minister whose shady deals and other controversial dealings were now in the public domain of being behind the operation. Reiterating his commitment to media freedom, MP Gammanpila said social media regulation was necessary to prevent various interested parties from exploiting social media platforms.
The fake list included former MP Karunaratne Paranavithana, Dr Nihal Abeysinghe, Yeheli Sangakkara, Ravi Kumudesh, MP Kabir Hashim, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, MP Dr Nalaka Godahewa, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha thero, Ven. Madille Panghaloka thero, ex-MP Ranjan Ramanayake, Damitha Abeyratne and ex-MP Jeevan Kumaratunga.
Ravi Kumudesh said it was part of an overall propaganda scheme to undermine a select group of people. Investigations revealed that the suspect employed actresses and models to attract targeted ‘investors’. Those who later claimed their funds were threatened with exposure, sources said, adding that further arrests were likely.
The group posted the following on its website: “Thico Group Pvt. ltd. is the brainchild of Mrs. Thilini Priyamali is a duly registered company which is well diversified in nature. Catering to a range of industries, including construction, entertainment, gems and jewelry, real estate and retail, the company aims to attract a diverse customer base. Operating from the 34th floor, World Trade Center, each avenue falls under respective companies managed by industry experts who ensure efficiency and growth. The ultimate expectation is to help our customers realize their dreams.
