Justice Minister sheds more light on USD 250 million bribe paid to buckle X-Press Pearl case

by Saman Indrajith

Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakse told Parliament yesterday that US dollars 250 million has been credited to the bank account of one Chamara Gunasekera as a bribe to prevent the Sri Lanka government from securing damages over the X-Press Pearl ship disaster caused off the Colombo Port from its operator.

Responding to a question raised by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Minister said: “I am saying this based on information I have received and cannot take responsibility for it. I do not know whether this information could be used as evidence. The Ministry of Defence and the police should conduct investigations in this regard.”

The Minister said a limitation procedure had been filed in the UK to limit the damages which the Sri Lankan government could claim. “The government has already filed a case countering this move to get the limitation procedure case canceled,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that USD 250 million had been transferred to Natwest Premier 5000 Pounds Account of Chamara Gunasekara.

Minister Rajapakse said that the CID was conducting an investigation and more information would be made available soon.