Alleged US$ 6.5 million deal with Suberi: Lalith Weeratunga and Cabraal granted bail

• They were released on a surety bail of  one million rupees each

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

Former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and  former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal were yesterday ordered  to be released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court in connection  with the private plaint filed by Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thera for  allegedly paying a sum of US$ 6.5 million through the Central Bank to an  American businessman named Imaad Shah Zuberi in 2014.  

Two accused were present before Colombo Fort Magistrate  Thilina Gamage and they were ordered to be released on a surety bail of  one million rupees each.   

The petitioner alleged that the two accused are responsible  for alleged financial irregularities that took place while they were serving  as the Secretary to the President and Central Bank Governor in 2014.   

The petitioner further alleged that Sri Lankan government  in 2014 had paid US$ 6.5 million through the Central Bank to an American  businessman named Imaad Shah Zuberi, to buy influence and fix its image  in the US. The petitioner further said the US Court has held that out of  the said money given to him on behalf of Sri Lankan Taxpayers, US$ 5.6  million or 80% of it had been spent on himself and his wife. The  petitioner said former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has  paid the sum of US$ 6.5 million without having prior approval from the  parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers in violation of Article 150 of the  constitution.      

• former Central Bank Governor has  paid the sum of US$ 6.5 million without having prior approval from parliament