Ravi's Robin Hood Budget

Maithripala-Ranil interim Govt. taxes the rich and vice to give sweeping relief for poor

Gets generous with highest ever pay hike for public servants in two phases; urges private sector follow suit; PAYE threshold upped

Mini-Budget gets ‘100-day revolution’ populist tag and covers poorest of the poor, farmers, pensioners, migrant workers, disabled war heroes among others

Makes 13 essential imported food items, domestic LPG, Kerosene and mobile phone reloads cheaper

Higher allocation for health and education

Far-reaching one time payments and additional taxes on those who have enjoyed super gains, high profits in the recent past

Finance Minister exposes economic and fiscal mismanagement of MR regime; warns true public debt is as high as 89% of GDP as opposed to 74% as previously claimed

Plans to cut Budget deficit to 38-year low of 4.4% of GDP

Review of all major capital projects/contracts awarded during past six months

Lankan expats to be tapped for $ 10 via five-year special Bond Issue carrying a fixed interest rate of 4.5% 

The Government yesterday released what could be classified as a Robin Hood Budget which gave rise to unexpected relief and benefits. High net-worth individuals as well as business entities enjoying benefits under the Mahinda Chinthana were slapped with sweeping restrictions and regulations as well as taxes to shore up revenue.

The 19th Finance Minister of Sri Lanka, Ravi Karunanayake, exchanging his usual European attire for national garb, said he was laying the foundation to create a new Sri Lanka devoid of misdeeds which would in turn lead to a “Maithri Palanaya.” “Today’s statement will be a shining example of how a people-friendly Government creates opportunities to serve the people. At this juncture, I call upon all Sri Lankans to show solidarity with our Government and rally together for a change to create a better tomorrow commencing with the 100-day revolution.

Power is temporary. Official positions are also temporary. As trustees of our voting public, our duty is to honourably serve the nation. We must not forget that we are servants of the people and it is our bounden duty to be of service,” Karunanayake said. The recent victory of President Maithripala Sirisena, who engineered the move which saw the United National Party establish a Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, has brought smiles to many faces, Karunanayake stated. “The smiles portray freedom, liberty and courage. It is refreshing, the release from the bonds of family rule and crony nepotism. Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members of the Parliament, before I conclude I am sure that the smiles will be wider. They deserve the plethora of benefits that are to be announced. And they also deserve a future of sustenance, enjoyment and good life. All are enjoying the serene breeze of change, a change for the better and a change to be cherished. A rule of compassion – a Maithri Palanaya,” he said.

According to the Finance Minister, Budget 2015 expected a total revenue of Rs. 1,594 billion which consisted of Rs. 1,400 billion of tax revenue and Rs. 194 billion of non-tax revenue. Total expenditure and net lending was Rs. 2,990 billion of which recurrent expenditure was Rs. 1,465 billion and capital expenditure and net lending was Rs. 685 billion. The estimated deficit in Budget 2015 was Rs. 521 billion or 4.6% of GDP, the lowest since 1977. “I should say that this deficit is related only to Government revenue and expenditure. However, we have repeatedly shown to this Parliament and discussed even outside Parliament over the past several years that this deficit does not reflect the real burden of the public finances of the country today as it does not take into account the many budgetary operations of the Government.

This facade of duplicity has to be removed and the actual position has to be made known to the Honourable Members of Parliament and the public. We do not intend to mislead either the Honourable Members of Parliament or the general public in our endeavour to ensure good governance,” Karunanayake said. The Government plans to raise $ 10 billion from Sri Lankan expatriates through a special five-year Government bond which will carry a fixed interest rate of 4.5%.

One step forward and two steps back!

Step forward:  The present 38 taxes and levies will be reduced to 20 and our intention is to get this implemented as soon as possible – Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in Mini-Budget 2015.

Two steps back: Several new taxes were added yesterday including a Mansion Tax, Migrating Tax and Super Gain Tax apart from a plethora of new levies.

Source : ft

Yoshitha's CSN to close ? One Billion Tax Throws Company Into Deep Crisis

It looks as if Carlton Sports Network a TV channel started by the sons of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is on the verge of a serious financial crisis which could even lead to its closure.

The government through its interim budget which was presented to Parliament yesterday imposed a onetime tax of Rs. 1 billion on all sports networks that dodged taxation. Although Capital Maharaja Organization also has a sports channel, the TV station, according to sources, has a clean tax file.

Sources from CSN told on Friday that the company was not in a position to pay Rs. 1 billion to the government by way of taxes. This means the company which is also on the verge of losing its cricket broadcasting rights has been plunged into a serious financial crisis.

In this context, observers say, the closure of the controversial sports channel, is very much written on the wall.

Meanwhile, a Cabinet sub committee was also set up to look into the possibility granting broadcasting rights of international cricket matches to Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation a privilege that was enjoyed by CSN, run by the Rajapaksa sons.

It was awarded the rights for three years by Sri Lanka Cricket in May 2012, despite an earlier Cabinet decision to award the rights to SLRC. At the time, speculation was rife that the deal was fraudulent.

 

A month later, Sri Lanka Cricket was forced to admit that CSN did belong to Namal Rajapaksa and Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the two elder sons of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

However, SLC defended the decision to award rights to CSN, claiming that the deal took place according to proper procedures.

SL Dual citizenship available to all Lankans

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake presenting the interim budget 2015 today said that the option of dual citizenship would be available to all persons of Sri Lankan origin and granted after due evaluation. A payment of Rs. 500,000 will have to precede each individual request.

Furthermore, provision will be made for foreigners seeking resident status in Sri Lanka who are in a position to invest US$ 10 million in the country. All such applications would be subject to the approval of Defence Ministry, and would need to be renewed every 5 years. The visa fee for such persons will be Rs. 2.5 million.

MR’s sons no longer rugby team captains

Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s sons Yoshitha and Rohitha are to be removed from the captaincy of the Rugby teams of the Navy and Army respectively, on the instructions of a highly placed official, informed sources said yesterday.

Instructions had been issued to the relevant officials in this regard. Yoshitha Rajapaksa was the captain of the Navy team and his younger brother Rohitha Rajapaksa was the captain of the Army team. However they have not yet been informed of their removal.

Few weeks ago The Sri Lanka Rugby Union said that Yoshitha Rajapaksa would remain as the Captain of the Sri Lanka Navy Rugby team and Rohitha Rajapaksa would be the Captain of the Sri Lanka Army Rugby team.

Udari - Sangeeth Wedding Photos

Famous Actress Udari Kaushalya and Actor Sangeeth Satharasinghe Got married recently.

Now a days the most famous teledrama in Sri Lanka would be Aththamma which telecast daily at 8.30 pm on Derana television channel. Aththamma is the second part of the 'Malee' teledrama. In Aththamma teledrama Sarathi's character is doing by Udari kaushalya. Her boyfriend 'Daraka' real name is Sangeeth Satharasingha.

Sarathi and Daraka are real lovers in the real life also. Today the couple got married. According to the gossips Sangeeth and Udari's love affair was started while doing the shooting of Aththamma teledrama. However Udari Kaushalya and Sangeeth have planned to leave the home country for their future educations after the marriage ceremony. Udari Kaushalya appears in many television commercial advertisements. Once she said to a newspaper article that the director of the Aththamma teledrama has selected her for that character after interview more than 800 candidates.

Yoshitha not given approval to resign

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, submitted an application on the 9th, the day after the presidential election, to resign from SL Navy but Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Jayantha Perera has not given his approval for the resignation said Navy media spokesman Commander Kosala Warnasuriya.

Meanwhile, the Member of the Central Committee of the JVP and of the Western PC Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Member of the Central Committee of the JVP and of the Western PC Attorney at Law Sunil Watagala and Member of Kaduwela Municipality Asitha Niroshana made a complaint to the Defense Secretary, on behalf of the JVP, Yesterday (26th) complaining against Yoshitha Rajapaksa for getting admission to SL Navy, following a course at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) without proper qualifications, misusing his position, interfering in official affairs of the government and engaging in politics.

Bribery complaint filed against Shiranthi Rajapaksa

Shyamali Gunawardena, the wife of former DIG Vass Gunawardena, today (26) filed a complaint with the Bribery Commission (CIABOC) against the former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa over a gold deal which was revealed by the former DIG.

Speaking to media today, she said that her husband had investigated a case where 100kgs of gold from the Treasury were allegedly sold in a fraudulent manner and that the case involved the former first lady.

She added that Senior DIG Anura Senanayake and Hudson Samarasinghe of the SLBC had urged her to state that Shiranthi Rajapaksa was not involved in the case.

Several days before that, my husband was remanded. My family was threatened constantly. I was intimidated that my husband would not be freed if i revealed any details, she added.

Noting that he husband had informed her to lodge a complaint with the Bribery commission, Shyamali Gunawardena urged the President, the Prime minister and the minister of Justice to initiate an investigation on this regard and bring the perpetrators to book.

Also Former First lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been accused of acquiring a public land at Kalapura at Templers Road in Mount Lavinia for the Carlton Company which had been used as a Cultural Centre earlier, residents said in a petition collectively signed by them.

Kalyani Herath Menike and Nissanka Diddeniya, two signatories to the petition have asked that the land be now given back to cultural arts for what it was once used.

The letter points out that it was given to them by former President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1984 as a housing complex and an Arts and Cultural Centre that covered an area of 80 perches.

The grievance of residents at Kalapura has also been brought to the notice of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Mahindananda's passport impounded

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (26) ordered to impound the passport of the Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

The CIABOC has instructed immigration authorities to temporarily impound Aluthgamage's passport for a period of 3 months, pending an investigation into a complaint against him. Earlier, passports of former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and UPFA MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena were also impounded pending investigations into corruption charges.

Duminda's Bank Accounts To Be Checked

Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana said today a Court Order was obtained from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court to check all accounts held by Colombo District United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Duminda Silva at several banks and financial institutions.

The Court Order was based on a statement made by narcotics kingpin ‘Wele Suda’ and included the checking of accounts held by two others as well. “The accounts belonging to Duminda Silva, Wele Suda and his wife held at 82 banks and financial institutions will be probed. During interrogations by the CID, Wele Suda revealed that he doled out money obtained from drug trafficking to Mr. Silva,” SSP Rohana told a news conference today.

He said Wele Suda is reported to have gone under two other names and as such the police would also check whether accounts were maintained under these two names as well. The SSP said the Central Bank’s Financial Investigation Unit would assist the police in investigating the suspects’ foreign accounts especially those in Pakistan and Dubai. He said since 2012 Wela Suda was believed to have smuggled into the country about a 1,000 kilos of heroin worth some eight to 10 million rupees a kilo.

“The fate which had befallen this massive amount of money obtained from drug trafficking was uncertain. Wele Suda revealed that he paid money to Mr. Silva so as to continue his smuggling unhampered. He also alleged that Lalitha Kaushaluya, who was killed in Athurugiriya had paid money to the MP. The police found an Allion Toyota Car near a house at Madiwela bought by Wele Suda from drug trafficking,” SSP Rohana said. He said investigations will be launched against Wele Suda on charges of money laundering and terrorist connections.

Would have been killed if I lost - President

President Maithripala Sirisena says that he may not even be alive today if he had lost the Presidential election.

He said thus while addressing crowds in Polonnaruwa during his first visit to his hometown since swearing in as President.

“The previous regime led by Mahinda Rajapaksa had devised all plans to take my children into custody if I lost,” he said.

The President also said that he had no choice but to accept the chair of the SLFP, which campaigned against him during the Presidential election.

Palace or Prison

Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe too, joined the President's Polonnaruwa visit.

Noting that Maithripala Sirisena made a huge sacrifice when he came forward as the common opposition candidate, Wickremesinghe stated the the battle had only two outcomes at that point.
It was either the presidential palace or the prison, he said.

Yoshitha assaulted Malaka - Mervyn

Former minister Mervyn Silva says that the person related to two accounts of assault on his son is none other than Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Speaking during an interview with a weekend newspaper, Silva has said that Yoshitha Rajapaksa was linked to the recent assault of Malaka Silva at a night club as well as an earlier assault on him at the Odel car park.

The most recent clash had triggered after Malaka had given a bit of advice to one of Yoshitha's guards, Mervyn Silva has said.

Noting that the former President had only learnt of this incident at the last minute, Silva said that Mahinda Rajapaksa had visited Malaka within 45 minutes since the incident had occurred.

The Nawaloka Hospital, where Malaka was treated, had not even accepted the payment of the hospital bill, the former minister added.

Silva has also revealed that security cameras recording the clash were jammed.

Namal Udugama is alive

There rumors spreading in Facebook about Singer Namal Udugama is not true. His brother Sanath Udugama and singer Ranil Mallawarachchi Confirmed that Namal Udugama is alive. He is unwell and need an operation.

Namal Udugama's Family ask everyone not to spread any rumours and share fake news without confirming.

We wish him speedy recovery.

Namal Rajapaksha's Family Selfie

Shiranthi Rajapaksha is the wife of the sixth former President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the former First Lady of Sri Lanka. She is a professional in child psychology and pre-school education.

She celebrated her Birthday yesterday and her son MP Namal Rajapaksha posted a family selfie in facebook wishing her Happy Birth Day.

Nirosha Perera weds old Japanese man ?

Pictures emerged of actress and programme hostess - Nirosha Perera attired in traditional bridal attire has triggered a rumour mill frenzy.

Most of her fans were left flabbergasted with the pictures, especially because of the groom who is Japanese and apparently much older than Nirosha.

However, it is not in real life. The wedding at the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo was actually a photo shoot for a film 'Kandak Sema' directed by Ashoka Athaudahetti.

In the film, Nirosha plays the role of a Sri Lankan girl who leaves her motherland after getting married to a Japanese national.

The script is by Sumithra Rahubadda.

The film also features Ayako Kobayashi, who became popular for performing the role of 'Oshin' while she was a child.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa's TV channel CSN under probe

 
The television channel Carlton Sports Network (CSN) operated by Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of the former President, is to be investigated for irregularities.

Rajapaksa is also a serving naval officer.

Under probe will be the legality of the channel and whether equipment belonging to the two State TV channels Rupavahini and ITN were acquired by CSN.

Meanwhile the new chairman of Rupavahini prof Somaratne Dissanayake has ordered the stoppage of international cricket coverage of matches involving the Sri Lanka team on CSN with the broadcast rights to be given back to State TV.

Dissanayake has noted that a large number of cricket fans in the country were deprived of witnessing the Sri Lanka team matches while it was telecast by CSN which does not reach out to all parts of the country.

Jackie does ballet for new movie Roy

After impressing with her dance moves in ‘Jumme Ki Raat’ from ‘Kick’, Jacqueline Fernandez is turning out to be one of the most sought after actresses when it comes to dancing. Choreographers are keen to work with the actress.

In her upcoming film, ‘Roy’, Jacqueline Fernandez has tried a completely different style of contemporary dance form, a ballet on sand for the song, ‘Boond Boond’.

The director Vikramjit Singh wanted a sequence in the song, which is artistic, sensual and passionate. When he briefed choreographer Ahemd Khan, Ahmed knew exactly what he wanted.

Jacqueline will be the first Bollywood actress to be seen attempting this dance form in ‘Roy’. “Ahmed gave me a couple of videos to watch to understand the body language and refer to before the shoot. He is one of the finest choreographer who loves experimenting and is passionate about his work,” said Jacqueline.

Jacqueline Fernandez, who loves dancing, suggested some moves to Ahmed who loved them and incorporated the same while on shoot. Jacqueline adds, “Ahmed gave a completely different, fresh touch to the kind of ballet we have always seen on screen. I too had ideas and together we put a piece together. The final scene that you see on screen is sensuous and passionate.”

 The film is a love triangle between the three lead actors – Arjun Rampal, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ranbir Kapoor. Jacqueline will be playing a dual role – one that of a sophisticated art enthusiast named Tia and the other, a movie director Ayesha, who will be styled in a very easy-breezy fashion. Jacqueline will also sport a tattoo on her neck and wrist.

Directed by Vikramjit singh, ‘Roy’ will release on 13th February, 2015.

The government to suspend Mihin Lanka ?

 
The government has decided to suspend the budget airline 'Mihin Lanka' and merge it with the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, according SLM.

Despite being plagued by financial losses, debt, waste and corruption the airline was continued at the massive expense of taxpayer money to boost the image of the former President.

The above decision is to be taken after considering the interim report of COPE (Committee on Public Enterprise).

The report states that the airline has incurred a loss of Rs. 3.3 billion during the year 2013 and that the figure has risen last year.

Speaking on this regard at a media briefing held on August 05, 2014, COPE Chairman DEW Gunesekara said that Mihin Lanka had incurred losses mainly because the institution was made to borrow at high interest rates. He said the institution had been made to raise capital through borrowings.

He also recommended to merge Mihin Lanka and the national carrier SriLankan Airlines.
Meanwhile, the newly formed Anti-Corruption Front yesterday (20) filed a complaint with the CIABOC over a massive fraud that has occured within the 'Mihin Lanka'.

source : SLM

Cabraal owns Rs.500m worth house

It is revealed that former Governor of Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal possesses a house valued at Rs.500 million. The house is at 6/31, School Lane, Nawala Rajagiriya. 
 
The new house is near his residence and he has obtained it after becoming the Governor of the Central Bank say reports. The talk of senior officials of the bank is how he earned such a lot of money.

About Rs.4000 million was invested in bonds in Greece with the direct mediation of Mr. Cabraal, an act that proved to be a disaster and is highly questionable.

Also, a colossal financial fraud has been committed through the notorious ‘hedging agreement’ signed with the mediation of Mr. Cabraal between Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and several foreign banks.

It is being revealed that Mr. Cabraal would have received a large sum of money through such transactions.

Fonseka reinstated as General

 
Issuing a special order a short while ago (21) President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered to drop all charges filed against former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, granting him Presidential Pardon and reinstating him as a General, reports say.

Speaking, Capt. Senaka Haripriya de Silva - the personal assistant of Fonseka, confirmed this.

Accordingly Fonseka is to be reinstated as a four-star General with his medals restored, Silva added.

Fonseka also served as Chief of Defence Staff before contesting the 2010 Presidential election against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Fuel prices reduced from midnight

Keeping its election promise the new government under President Maithripala Sirisena has reduced fuel prices with effect from midnight yesterday.

Accordingly price of a litre of 92 octane petrol has been reduced from Rs. 150 to Rs. 117 while the price of 95 octane petrol has been come down from Rs. 158 to Rs. 128. A litre of Lanka auto diesel and super diesel which were Rs. 111 and Rs.138 respectively have been reduced to Rs. 95 and Rs.110, while kerosene has come down from Rs. 81 to Rs. 65 per litre.

The Power and Energy Ministry said today in a statement that a price formula that would suit the country’s economy would be presented soon, after considering the fluctuations of fuel prices in the world market and that another set of relief measures were also in the pipeline. Earlier, on Tuesday, State Minister Palitha Ranga Bandara said at a meeting at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) that a reduction in fuel prices was to be expected soon and that the new prices would be officially announced on Independence Day, February 4.

However, the government had decided today to implement the price reduction forthwith. The minister also said that a price revision formula for LP Gas was also in the offing and would be made public soon. Fuel prices were reduces twice during the tenure of President Mahinda Rajapaksa -- first on the eve of the Uva Provincial Council election and then on December 6 last year, prior to the recently concluded presidential election.

Thewarapperuma remanded till Feb 2

 
United National Party MP Palitha Thewarapperuma was arrested today after he surrendered to the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) in connection with the assault incident at Agalawatta on Sunday morning.

UNP Kalutara District MP Palitha Thewarapperuma, who surrendered to the police this morning, had been remanded until February 2 by Colombo Chief Magistrate, the Police said. MP Thewarapperuma was produced by the Colombo Crime Division. The MP is alleged to have assaulted a person in the Agalawatta Town and made him kneel down in an execution style on January 18.

 He was also charged for participating in an illegal procession and disobeying a court order, the Police said. Matugama Police took three other persons involved in the same incident into custody yesterday, whilst the Parliamentarian surrendered to CCD this morning.

Former PM's son arrested

Central Provincial Councillor Anuradha Jayaratne and three others surrendered to the police today in connection with a shooting incident when the election office of President Mahithripala Sirisena was attacked during the election campaign.

The Gampola Magistrate had earlier banned Mr. Jayaratne from leaving the country in this connection. The four arrested were released on Rs.50,000 cash bail and Rs. 200,000 surety bail by Gampola Magistrate Upul Jayawickrama.

Is searching my house good governance ? - MR

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said for the first time since 1931, the residence of the Rajapaksa family was searched by the police and questioned whether it was a part of the present Government’s policy of good governance.

He told the media during his visit to the Asgiriya Temple today that the Rajapaksa family had been in politics since 1931, but for the first time his house was searched by the police. After paying homage to the sacred tooth relic the former president met the Mahanayake Theras. He pointed out that political victimization and incidents of violence were going on unchecked all over the country and the Government should take steps to prevent them.

Many of his loyalists who were present during his visit had wanted to meet the former President and had requested him to mingle with them and spend some time. 

The Tangalle Police today search the Carlton Residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Tangalle for a Lamborghini car. The Tangalle Police had received a tip-off that there was a Lamborghini at Carlton House and therefore they had obtained a search warrant from the Tangalle Magistrate’s Court. However, Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said the Police could not find such a car.

Maithripala And Ranil Silent On Thewarapperuma’s Despicable Behaviour : MP Still Not Arrested

President Maithripala Sirisena or Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has not issued a statement explaining the reasons not to arrest UNP Parliamentarain Palitha Thewarapperuma who demonstrated an utterly despicable behavior on Sunday.

MP Thewarapperuma, who strongly resembled former Minister Mervyn Silva, made Pradeshiya Sabha member Murugan Pushpakumar kneel in public as a punishment.

Although UPFA Parliamentarian Mahinda Samarasinghe had lodged a complaint with the Police Department over the incident, no action has so far been taken to arrest the Parliamentarian.

“When we set up a party office in my own electorate, a group of thugs led by UNP Parliamentarian Palitha Thewarapperuma, came there and threw rotten eggs at the office,” Samarasinghe said addressing a press briefing at the SLFP Headquarters.

Thewarapperuma’s behavior was in stark contrast to the principles of good governance upon which the present government was formed nearly one and a half weeks ago.

President Maithripala Sirisena has repeatedly stated that under the new government action would be taken against wrong-doers irrespective of their positions.

Although Thewarapperuma’s behavior has been illustrated in media with video evidence, no action has so far been taken to bring the unruly Parliamentarian to books.

Yasara Says "I Had No Connection With Wasim Thajudeen"

Yasara Abeynayake, who was dubbed in certain media reports as the ex-girlfriend of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, told  that she did not even know nor did she have any connection with Wasim Thajudeen, the Rugby player who was killed in a road accident in 2012.

Abeynayake, who was formerly the Channel head of CSN, is now attached to a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in Australia. She made these remarks responding to reports that the Rugby player’s sudden death was linked to an alleged “affair” she had with him.

“Why can’t they let the innocent departed rest in peace? Why are they tarnishing his memory and my reputation by coupling me with a person I have never met in my life?” she asked while asserting that she was not even aware as to how her name had been connected to the death of the Rugby player.

Abeynayake also urged news websites to refrain from publishing “unsubstantiated and baseless” reports involving her name.

Meanwhile, Asfan Thajudeen, the brother of Wasim Thajudeen, said on his Facebook profile a few days ago that his family did not believe there was any “foul play” in connection with the tragic accident which led to the Rugby player’s death. “So far not a single proof of evidence has come up to proof otherwise,” he also added.

Wasim Thajudeen, a Sri Lankan ruggerite and former Havelock SC captain, was killed in a road accident in Colombo, in May 2012.  According to Police, Thajudeen had been driving to the airport when he had lost control of the car and crashed into the wall of Shalika grounds on park road. The car had exploded within seconds of the crash burning the whole car.