I have no funds to pay Rs 100mn, will collect from friends: Maithripala

15 January 2023 08:53 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 16 Bookmark

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Former President Maithripala Sirisena said today that he will collect and pay the compensation to the victims of Easter Sunday attacks, as ordered by the Supreme Court, with the help of his close friends.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a sum of Rs.100 million as damages to the victims of Easter Sunday attacks.

The former president said, addressing a ceremony held in Nittambuwa that he has no assets or income to pay a compensation of Rs. 100 million.

" I respect the law and I am a person who bows to the court's decisions always. I am not a person who has the funds to pay such a compensation. I asked whether I should be begging under the Bo tree in Pettah. Therefore I and my friends have decided that we will collect the money from our friends," he said.

He said he has given his assets declaration to Parliament every year and anyone can take it and see what he has.

"For the past 5 years that I was the president, I have given my assets declaration every year. So anyone can see my assets declaration under RTI. I hope to get the necessary support from my friends to collect the required compensation," he said.(DSB)

Comments - 16

His friends will get unfair advantage causing 100 times losses to public Sunday, 15 January 2023 09:05 PM

His friends are their for their own financial benefit, so would only invest in Maithripala for a substantial return. He will definitely give or arrange great financial benefit to his friends. Maybe they will have commission agreements signed as part of their deals. So he can arrange for them contracts from Government or SOE if his party gets any power any time in the future. Basically he will ensure unfair advantage to his friends so causing 100 times further loss to the public for his friends giving him the money.

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100 million will then not affect Sirisena or family assets at all Sunday, 15 January 2023 09:08 PM

Serisena is in effect saying the 100 million payment will not cause him any problems because he has friends who will provide for it all. Surely then the compensation as punishment is woefully inadequate as it will not affect his assets one bit. He gets away with his negligence altogether, because of his friends. This will allow any high up politician with friends to be further negligent.

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sam Monday, 16 January 2023 08:50 AM

Inland Revenue should deal with anyone contributing to this

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Jude Fernando Monday, 16 January 2023 10:05 AM

I wish I have a close friend who will give me 1 million, let alone 100 million. Must be money plundered from the people for them to be so generous.

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joshua Monday, 16 January 2023 10:45 AM

When a vehilce driver is caught and charged, if there is no money to pay the Courts put him behind bars. What is the exception here? If he doesn't have money put him behind bars until he or his so-called friends pay it. Also investigate all who contribute towards this worthy cause and check their tax files. What kind of law do we practice in this country?

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Raththaran Monday, 16 January 2023 10:49 AM

Assets Declaration may have been made but how can one ascertain whether that includes everything ? Does the Declaration have to include what one sets aside in the name of family members ?

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Mohamed Adham Monday, 16 January 2023 01:04 PM

Why collect from friends ? His brother, Dudley, can handle this peanut amount for the big brother, quite easily. But why only monetary penalty. He should be in jail

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Lanka Shantha Monday, 16 January 2023 01:13 PM

So now it comes to light that you had helped your friends to make money during your rule.

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Mahila Monday, 16 January 2023 01:15 PM

How could he collect from friends and pay the fine which is supposed to be paid from personal funds!? How could he do this?? It is against the spirit of the law and determination of the SC!!! Hasn't been punished at all, if he is pooling money from hs friends to meet the FINE!?

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Waco Monday, 16 January 2023 01:21 PM

Now regretting for giving up Gramasevska Job.

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cineha Monday, 16 January 2023 01:22 PM

Obviously the "Jayamaha" connection will be of immense assistance.

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Shiran Monday, 16 January 2023 01:44 PM

Aney, you were quoted as the 3rd richest politician in Sri Lanka Rs 100m is tea money

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Robert Monday, 16 January 2023 01:50 PM

There is a catch here not obviously noticed. If a politician can pay 100 million rupees from his own pocket, then, the next year he will have to declare to the Tax department where he was hiding it all these years. Then he has to pay the tax on the top of that possibly another 30 million.

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VJ Monday, 16 January 2023 02:09 PM

Deduct Rs. 100 million from the 365 million you got paid to look the other side, you will have plenty left over. Or the murderer you let of the hook a week before you left office, can also settle this penalty. But this is not all, you will still go to jail for gross negligence.

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Cugan Monday, 16 January 2023 02:34 PM

Don't even pay a penny have good sleep

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Sinna Monday, 16 January 2023 07:31 PM

After such a fine by Supreme Court,for irresponsible leadership, which brought death for more than 200 civilians ,does he still entitle to benefits of a former president

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