Sri Lanka Central Bank blocks taking out of Perpetual profits: Harsha

Jan 25, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has blocked Perpetual Treasuries from taking out the company profits for any purpose, Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva said on Tuesday. Speaking at the bond debate in Parliament, de Silva pointed out that the Central Bank Governor and the Monetary Board has acted in a way that the government will be able to recover any money, if the company was found guilty in a civil case. The company has, however, maintained that it acted in its bond dealings on the basis of public information.

“Attorney General has discussed about the COPE report on bond investigation with the Central Bank Governor,” de Silva said. “Central Bank has also taken steps to block Perpetual Treasuries from taking off their profits in any manner.

” He said the Central Bank has also requested instructions from the Attorney General on the possibility of filing a civil case to recover money if possible. “Governor told me today that he lodged a written complaint with the Police IGP over this and said the Attorney General has already instructed the IGP to examine the issue as soon as possible.” Minister Rauff Hakeem speaking at the debate requested the Speaker to supervise the future course of action on the COPE report. He said it should not be a part of the work of the executive as the Parliament is empowered with the ultimate financial management of the government. Minister Susil Premjayanth, however, praised the President over the proposal to appoint a commission to investigate and recommend actions over the alleged bond scam. He said it has the necessary legal power and the required mandate. Related: JVP calls Speaker to take over controversial bond investigations