 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Contrary to print and electronic media reports, police investigating a multi- billion rupee scam committed by suspected conman Sakvithi Ranasinghe has not recorded a statement from Edwin Ariyadasa, the Joint Managing Director of S. R. Property Sharing Investment (Private) Limited set up by the con-man.
Although Ariyadasa had visited Mirihana police (Nugegoda Division) twice, where he was shouted at by a section of the duped investors, investigators didn’t record his statement.
The prominent ITN official, who had received a monthly retainer of Rs. 100,000 for about 14 months for promoting the Sakvithi venture, yesterday told The Island he was ready to give a statement.
Asked whether he had invested any money with his employer, Ariyadasa said that he wasn’t deceived by what he called attractive interest rates offered by the businessman. Claiming he didn’t have millions of rupees, Ariyadasa said that his money was safe with a reputed private bank.
"I didn’t invest a cent with him," he said, adding none of his relatives or friends, too, had been deceived.
Deshabandu Tennakoon, SSP in charge of the Nugegoda Division declined to comment on the investigation. "Contact the Police Spokesman," he said.
Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said that Ariyadasa would be questioned and his statement recorded if necessary. "We don’t want to act hastily," he said, emphasising that every aspect of Sakvithi scam would be investigated. According to him six Sakvithi employees had been arrested for their alleged involvement in the fraud.
Mass Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena yesterday told The Island that that there was absolutely no evidence whatsoever at the moment to link Ariyadasa with the scam. He asserted that Ariyadasa’s position with the ITN shouldn’t be at risk due to his working relationship with Sakvithi Ranasinghe.
Gunasekera said that by Tuesday evening, police had received 1,459 complaints regarding the loss of Rs. 799.6 million.
Ariyadasa said that millions would have been squandered at leading Colombo casinos.
The government will not come to the rescue of the duped investors a State official told The Island. Taxpayers money wouldn’t be spent to reimburse the investors, he said.
