FCID completes probe against Godahewa, charges soon
The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) is preparing to file charges against some top names in the capital market industry allegedly involved in corrupt deals with most investigations over, FCID sources said.
“The FCID has completed the probe against former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Nalaka Godahewa and Ronnie Ibrahim, Director Prime Sports pertaining to a donation to Tharunyata Hetak, a youth organization run by Namal Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa,” a source told the Business Times. He added that the opinion of the Attorney General’s Department has been sought on filing charges.
This special unit is bringing in expertise to help resolve some complex cases, for example, in the stock market. The sources said that the division was recently prepped by a former top SEC official on ‘catching stock market rogues’. The inquiry against Dr. Godahewa relates to a ‘donation’ given to the youth organization while Mr. Ibrahim’s involvement was his connection to the organisation through Prime Sport. Prior to the elections, the duo was directed to present themselves at the FCID for the recording of statements.
However they were represented by lawyers who requested time and who at the same time complained to the Commissioner of Elections saying that this was political victimisation. At the time Dr. Godahewa was campaigning on behalf of the UPFA. The EC had directed FCID to put this probe on hold at that time but now the latter has resumed probes. Dr. Godahewa is being probed by the FCID on many issues relating to his past positions at Sri Lanka Insurance (SLI) and stock market transactions pertaining to Lanka Hospitals.