Wiliamuna Controversy: Jayaratne Sees Nothing Wrong

May 11, 2015

“I am not aware of the terms of engagement under which Mr. Weliamuna provided these services nor the associated terms and conditions, including confidentality commitments and client/ service provider relationship terms. In that context I am unable to determine whether or not Mr. Weliamuna is free to indicate publicly his fees from this assignment. Hence I am unable to respond to your question, whether transparency principles upheld by Mr. Weliamuna, have been violated or not, by him failing to respond to your request for his fee income from the assignment.” says, Chandra Jayaratne, former chairman of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Friday Forum member.

Chandra Jayaratne

Jayaratne made the above remarks when asked of his opinion on the”Wiliamuna controversy”. J. C. Weliamuna is the Chairman of Transparency International Sri Lanka and a key member of the Friday Forum. Weliamuna was the head of the investigation committee of Sri Lankan Airlines.

After the investigation, on the 29th of April, he was appointed as a member of the Special Presidential Task Force for the recovery of illegally acquired state assets by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Colombo Telegraph asked Weliamuna to reveal the amount he was paid to investigate Sri Lankan Airlines – the first government-commissioned inquiry into the previous Rajapaksa regimes’s corruption and malpractices.

As reported, Weliamuna speaking to Colombo Telegraphconfirmed that he along with his team comprising three other members U.H. Palihakkara, B.A.W. Abeywardane and M.K. Bandara were paid Rs 3.5 million. At that time Colombo Telegraphdid request for a breakdown from the chairman of Transparency International Sri Lanka, Weliamuna but he was not in a position to do so. A subsequent email was sent to him seeking this information. Weliamuna has not responded to that question as yet. We asked Weliamuna once again and requested him to furnish at least the amount he did receive as his fee but he is yet to respond to that question as well.

Jayaratne said; “I am certain that Mr. Weliamuna has participated in the inquiry in his professional capacity, whilst engaging in his normal day to day professional practice / vocation.  Read More