Rohan Weliwita and Nishantha Ranatunga also arrested

Four persons including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha Rajapaksa, CSN chairman Rohan Weliwita and former CEO of the channel Nishantha Ranatunga have been arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today.

Rajapaksa was arrested following questioning carried out by the FCID earlier today at the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters in Colombo and is expected to be produced at the Kaduwela’s Magistrate’s Court.

He was summoned to give a statement regarding financial irregularities at the Carlton Sports Network (CSN), a private company allegedly linked to him.

Meanwhile CSN chairman Rohan Weliwita, former CEO Nishantha Ranatunga and another individual have also been arrested by the FCID in connection with the case.

Weliwita, who is former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s media coordinating secretary, was taken in for questioning by the FCID this morning.

He was questioned regarding alleged financial irregularities at the television channel.
Ranatunga, the former Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), was the Chief Executive Officer of SCN for a brief period and has also been charged in connection with the case.
They are also to be produced at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today.

FCID arrests Yoshitha Rajapaksa

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son was arrested by the FCID a short while ago, Navy Spokesman Captain Akram Alevi said.

He said Mr. Rajapaksa would be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate soon. A few days ago, Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunatilleke told Parliament that the Navy would take action against Lieutenant Rajapaksa based on the advice of the President's office in the wake of the recommendations made by the tripartite committee.

He also said that some Rs.16 million had been spent by the state for his training in Britain and Ukraine.

Yasara Abeynayake's Wedding

Former Sri Lanka Rugby 7s captain and Kandy SC skipper Fazil Marija engaged with Yasara Abeynayake.

Yasara Abeynayake is Ex-girlfriend of Yoshitha Rajapaksa.

The duo had gone to UK for the Rugby World Cup, where they have spent nearly two weeks, authentic sources states.

I never knew Mr. Thajudeen : Yasara

A name that has come up with the death of Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen was of Yasara Abeynayake. In her comments Yasara said, “I never knew Mr. Thajudeen nor have I ever even spoken to him. These rumours started back in 2012 by a website named ‘Lanka Leaks’ and it has spread like fire ever since then. I don’t know why they attach me to this story but they unfortunately picked me and spread it far enough for people to believe their false story.

When asked whether the diplomatic position she was awarded to serve in Australia had any link with the incident she said Mr. Thajudeen passed away in 2012 and I got my posting in mid 2014 so my posting had nothing to do with the incident. Also this incident had nothing to do with my break-up as I never knew Wasim.

Yoshitha and I were engaged and it came to an end because our horoscopes did not match and his family was very superstitious about astrology related matters.This break-up with Yositha was just like any regular break-up but the sad part is that most people in the country decided to make it their business.” Meanwhile, in an interview with the Sunday Lankadeepa Yasara has mentioned that she had wanted to speak to the media when the incident happened. “Most people discouraged me from resorting to it saying that it was gossip stories which were unfounded and to take no notice of them. It was not my intention to follow these gossip web sites.

After some time those stories stopped circulating. But again after the elections it had come to the scene once again. Whenever I meet people they say things, which had greatly caused me and my family much distraught. This is unjustifiable. See the plight of people who are subjected to this harassment. It is my honourable request not to welcome all what is been published via the internet, and do not be in a haste to take decisions. Once the reports are released people would know the truth.

CSN closed down ?

Authorities at the Carlton Sports Network (CSN) have decided to close down the sports TV channel from March 01 onwards, reports say.

Accordingly, the entire CSN staff has been sent on leave yesterday (24) and have been informed that any employee who wished to leave the channel could do so with monetary compensation.

The CSN is charged of misusing state property to set up the company and according to reports, the company is charged of evading tax as well.

Certain CSN officials were reportedly paid wages by the Presidential Secretariat in the recent past.
It was also said that vehicles attached to the Presidential Secretariat were provided for the use of several CSN bigwigs. This television channel owned by the son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Yoshitha goes abroad

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has gone abroad for several days, reports say.

He has boarded his flight from Katunayaka Bandaranaike International Airport yesterday (10).

It is said that he has been approved leave by the Navy and his trip is a personal one.

My brothers asked not to attend rugger practice - Namal

Hambantota UPFA MP Namal Rajapaksa said that his two younger brothers -Yoshitha and Rohitha who were members of the Sri Lanka Army and Navy rugger teams, were asked not to attend rugby practice without citing any reasons.

“Just a few days ago, my brothers – Rohitha and Yoshitha – were both informed, by telephone, not to attend rugby practice. No reasons were given. They were just asked not to come,” Mr.Rajapaksa said in his personal blog.

Earlier media reports said Yoshitha and Rohitha were to be removed from the captaincy of the Rugby teams of the Navy and Army respectively, on the instructions of a highly placed official.

Mr. Rajapaksa also said that his family decided to respect the request and not to question the decision ‘regardless of how unjust it seems.’ “Not wanting to tarnish the sport through any potential conflict, we took a decision to simply respect the request and not question the decision regardless of how unjust it seems. Though deeply hurtful, we felt this would be the best decision we could make at this time,” he said.

The full statement issued by Mr. Rajapaksa

Having begun playing around the age of six, we played during school, during college, captained university teams and finally represented Sri Lanka internationally. In addition to enjoying the game, in recent years, we also tried to do whatever we could to elevate the sport in Sri Lanka for younger generations that will follow us in the years to come.

In this effort, we brought down internationally-acclaimed rugby players to Sri Lanka and worked to get access for our players to obtain playing experience abroad. In all honesty, we simply enjoyed playing the game. And as we began to reach the final stages of our sports careers, we felt like we should try to give back to a sport that had given us all so much.

I think and hope that these efforts would have made at least a small contribution to the development of the game. Today, we’re incredibly saddened to see that the bitter, vengeful politics that took over this country after elections earlier this month, have even made its way to the sports sector. Just a few days ago, my brothers – Rohitha and Yoshitha – were both informed, by telephone, not to attend rugby practice. No reasons were given.

They were just asked not to come. Not wanting to tarnish the sport through any potential conflict, we took a decision to simply respect the request and not question the decision regardless of how unjust it seems. Though deeply hurtful, we felt this would be the best decision we could make at this time. For some, rugby was also a part of politics.

But for the three of us, it was the sport we loved. On behalf of both of my brothers and myself, I want express our deepest gratitude to all those who supported us during our rugby careers. I think you all know how sincerely we loved the game. And if given the opportunity, we will never hesitate for a moment to contribute to the development of the sport in any way that we can.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rajapaksa Sons To Lead Army & Navy Rugby Teams

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 despite speculations that the Rajapaksa sons will be pulled out of Rugby squads.

Upon further inquiry, the officials of the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Navy Rugby federations had told media that former Mahinda Rajapaksa’s two sons would take part in the upcoming Dialog Rugby tournament in their regular positions.

It was widely speculated that the sons of former President Rajapaksa had left the country following the presidential election.

Three sons of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, namely Namal Rajapaksa, Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Rohitha Rajapaksa are prominent members of the national Rugby team.

Provincial Council member and JHU stalwart Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said a comprehensive inquiry would be conducted into activities of members of the Rajapaksa family in the field of Rugby. He also added that the new government had received a number of complaints with regard to the conduct of the “princes” of the Rajapaksa family.

He also added that the members of the “nil balakaya”, a youth organization set up by the sons of the former President, would be rehabilitated.

Crimes of Rajapaksa boys To Be Exposed

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) today said they will be revealing corruption actions and crimes committed by the Rajapaksa princes within the coming months and added that necessary legal action will be taken against them.

JHU National Organizer Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe speaking at a media briefing this morning had said that they have received detailed information on the crimes that were committed by the Rajapaksa princes – Namal, Yoshitha and Rohitha to which includes rape and sexual harassment of young girls.

“The eldest prince Namal’s Blue Brigade was operating as an alternative armed force in this country.

Within the coming weeks we will be exposing the details of the illegal activities that were carried out by this Blue Brigade under Namal’s leadership,” he said. Warnasinghe also said that they have also received information and proof of countless young girls who have been sexually abused and even raped by the Rajapaksa princes.

“Some of the girls who were victimized in this manner have been given various diplomatic postings to cover up their crimes. We will be revealing all these details and more and we also urge the public to inform us of any additional information they would possess on the crimes committed by the Rajapaksa princes,” he said.

Speaking further he said that a thorough investigation will be carried out on all the charges and added that none will be spared and that necessary legal action will be taken against all those found guilty. He also said that action will be taken to rehabilitate the youth involved with the Blue Brigade.

Yoshitha injured during game

The President's son Yoshitha Rajapaksa needed stitches as he sustained a wound in his mouth during the second leg of the Carlton Rugby Sevens Tournament 2014.

 It is reported that the wound has been stitched inside the ambulance which was provided to treat the injured players. Dr. Lal Ekanayake of Sri Lanka Sports Medicine Unit has thus treated Yoshitha.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa leads Western Warriors in the tournament.

The First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was also among the audience of the tournament which was held in Beliatta. The second leg of the Carlton Rugby Sevens Tournament which only sees the participation of local players is to end today (July 06). The tournament is organized by Tharunyata Hetak organization of President's son, Namal Rajapaksa.

Rohitha Rajapaksha attacks referee

Rugby Referees are facing a life threatening situation following their complaint lodged with Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union against the President’s son Rohitha Rajapaksa.

The complaint urged to probe on the incident where Rohitha had assaulted a Rugby referee at a recent match.

Rohitha Rajapaksa assaulted Rugby referee Dimitri Gunasekera on May 05th at the Havelock Grounds in Colombo after the Navy lost a qualifying match.

The incident took place when the Police A team defeated Navy knocking the latter out of the Inter-club Rugby sevens tournament organized by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union.

The youngest son of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was captaining the Navy A team at the game.

Following the Navy defeat, Rohitha Rajapaksa picked up referee Gunesekera by the collar and assaulted him in full public view stating that the Navy lost because he did not count the try points.

Eyewitnesses stated that the referee might have sustained severe injuries if other referees had not intervened.

However, desiring to put an end to this incident, captain of the Navy team and elder brother of Rohitha - Yoshitha Rajapaksa had intervened, even slapping his younger sibling in a bid to break up the confrontation.

Referees representing Dimitri Gunasekera had refused to continue and the tournament was held up for around one hour.

Again, Yoshitha Rajapaksa has intervened and requested to continue, stating that this was not an issue that was needed to be prolonged and cause disruption.

The referees have stated that the actions of Rohitha are completely inappropriate for a player and it is illegal to threaten or cause physical harm to a referee.

They have informed that they are ready to consider standing for the next matches if Rohitha Rajapaksa apologized.

However, Rohitha has vehemently refused to apologize.

Finally, after nearly an hour of discussions the referees were compelled to resume the tournament.

Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Society has made a written request to the President of Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union Asanga Seneviratne to hold a proper disciplinary inquiry regarding the incident.

Speaking to ‘ Sri Lanka Mirror’ President of Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Society - Orville Fernando said that actions should be taken against wrongdoers irrespective of their position to avoid the recurrence of such a situation.

If not, the referees might consider boycotting the next games in line, he adds.

Upon contacting the President of Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union - Asanga Seneviratne, he stated that an investigation is under way and results will be released within a week.

However, the Rugby internal sources are in doubt whether Asanga Seneviratne, who reached a higher position in sports and excelled in business with the support of Rajapaksas, will conduct any investigation at all.

The ‘Sunday Leader’ publication, which was highly critical of the government, too, was also bought by Asanga Seneviratne.

First Family Celebrates New Year

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa celebrated Sinhala and Tamil New Year in the traditional manner at the Carlton Residence in Tangalle along with their sons Namal, Yoshitha, Rohitha and other relatives. Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Minister Johnston Fernando also participated in the celebrations.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa conducted all the rituals at the auspicious time with the President and other family members assisted her. At the auspicious time for the lighting of the hearth the President, First Lady and many other family members attended the symbolic tradition of boiling milk at the auspicious time.

After observing the traditional New Year customs, the President visited the People’s Bank and Bank of Ceylon branches in Tangalle for traditional money transactions.

 

Yoshitha skipper, Namal too in Rugby pool

For the Asian five nation Rugby competition, Yoshitha Raajapaksa has been appointed skipper of the SL team.

A pool of 33 players have been selected the tournament . Mr, Namal Rajapaksa too has been included in to that pool. It is significant that most of the players in the pool are those from the SLN sports club. In addition, Kandy Sports Club has 08 players, while Havelocks Sports clubs has 06 players The tournament is scheduled to kick off from the Havelock’s grounds on the 31st of next month

How Rajapaksa sons became leading stock investors ?

 Rajapaksha Sons

Managala Samaraweera


UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera has questioned as to how a young MP and a Navy officer have become leading stock market investors.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, he has posed the question as to how they had acquired such wealth.

It is the massive commissions obtained by president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family for the loans received at very high interest from China that are thus being invested in the share market, he charged.

Cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said foreign loans were obtained on collective decisions, but said he could not guarantee that members of government had not obtained commissions as alleged.

In an interview to Sunday Lankadeepa, president Rajapaksa’s youngest son Rohitha said none of his family members owned a home or a vehicle.

 related ::

 President has not earned anything for himself - Mervyn Silva

 Rajapaksa family owns no home, vehicle : Rohitha Rajapaksha