Thico scam: Udaya alleges minister behind mudslinging campaign against rivals

… denies allegation against him

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila yesterday (09) accused a minister of launching a social media campaign to discredit some Opposition MPs over the recent arrest of the owner of Thico Group of Companies Pvt Ltd., Thilini Priyamali, in connection with misappropriation of massive amounts of funds.MP Gammanpila has been named as one of those cheated by the woman.

Addressing the media outside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the afternoon, Attorney-at-Law Gammanpila alleged that the minister had engaged a prominent social media activist to divert public attention away from a range of corruption charges against the government.Claiming her enterprise has been engaged in construction, real estate, gems, trading, and films, the businesswoman collected millions of Rupees from various persons, including politicians, businessmen and Buddhist monks, sources said.

The suspect who operated a luxurious office on the 34th floor of the World Trade Center in Colombo at the monthly rental of Rs 1.4 mn has been remanded till Oct. 19 by the Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage pending further investigations.he police produced the suspect before the Magistrate after having arrested her on a complaint received from a businessman pertaining to misappropriation of well over Rs 200 mn.

Lawmaker Gammanpila said that at the behest of the minister, social media activist had named him and several others, including MPs Dayasiri Jayasekera (SLPP Kurunegala district), Hesha Vithanage (SJB Ratnapura District) and Chaminda Wijesiri (SJB Badulla) as those near and dear to the suspect.

Declaring that he sought the CID’s intervention, MP Gammanpila urged the police to release the entire list of Priyamali’s contacts obtained during the investigations to prevent interested parties from slinging mud at opponents. Responding to another query, Gammanpila said that he raised the issue at hand with Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and was confident law enforcement authorities could quickly identify the persons responsible for the fabricated list.

“Of course, there is a list. She had cheated businessmen, politicians, monks and artistes. But, I’m not among them,” lawmaker Gammanpila said, urging social media users to be cautious when sharing posts. The police should reveal the identities of those who had been cheated by the suspect as well as her accomplices.

Lawmaker Gammanpila alleged that he suspected the minister whose shady deals and other controversial transactions were now in the public domain was behind this operation.Reiterating his commitment for media freedom, MP Gammanpila said that regulation of social media was necessary to prevent various interested parties from blatantly exploiting social media platforms.

The fake list included former MP Karunaratne Paranavithana, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Yeheli Sangakkara, Ravi Kumudesh, MP Kabir Hashim, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, MP Dr Nalaka Godahewa, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha thero, Ven. Madille Panghaloka thero, ex-MP Ranjan Ramanayake, Damitha Abeyratne and ex-MP Jeevan Kumaratunga.

Ravi Kumudesh said that it was part of an overall propaganda project meant to undermine a selected group of people.Investigations have revealed that the suspect employed some actresses and models to lure targeted ‘investors.’ Those who had subsequently demanded their funds were threatened with exposure, sources said, adding that more arrests were likely.

The group posted the following on its website: “Thico Group Pvt. Ltd. is the brainchild of Ms. Thilini Priyamali is a duly registered company which is well diversified in nature. Catering to a range of industries including construction, entertainment, gem and jewellery, real estate and trading, the Company aims to attract a diverse clientele. Operating from the 34th floor, World Trade Centre, each avenue falls under respective companies managed by industry experts who ensure efficiency and growth. The ultimate expectation is to help our customers to fulfill their dreams.”