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Dhammika abandons Parliament plan

10 Jun 2022

  • Conflict of interest concerns change tycoon’s mind
Business tycoon Dhammika Perera has abandoned plans to enter Parliament through the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National List slot left vacant by former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, due to concerns that he would be exposed to conflict of interest allegations, The Morning learnt. Perera, who was the frontrunner to replace Rajapaksa, was set to be assigned an investment promotion portfolio to attract foreign investors and much-needed foreign exchange to Sri Lanka. However, the prominent businessman, who had earlier expressed interest in being involved in national governance and the political think-tank, has now given up the plan due to possible conflict of interest complications. The chief source of these concerns has been the large number of companies owned by Perera, both through giant conglomerates such as Hayleys PLC and Vallibel One PLC, as well as the companies in which he is a shareholder. The Morning learnt that taking up a Ministerial portfolio could expose him to conflict of interest allegations as several companies under him could benefit from policies that he proposes and be a local party to the foreign investors he attracts to Sri Lanka. At a press conference held yesterday (9), journalists questioned Basil Rajapaksa regarding reports that there are plans to appoint Perera to fill the vacancy left by his resignation. In response, Rajapaksa stated that he was not aware of this and that the relevant appointments would be made at the discretion of the party. “I would like to ask the SLPP, if there is anyone suitable in the struggle at the Galle Face Green, to give them a chance. Let alone me, there are a few others who are ready to step down to facilitate such. We have no problem in donating two or three more seats on the National List, as we have donated many more things. I have also met Perera. He has good proposals for the economy, so he should be given the opportunity to implement them.” When questioned by The Morning on Wednesday on the news of Perera entering Parliament, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam confirmed that Perera is on the list of potential names who may replace Rajapaksa. “Basil Rajapaksa has not yet stepped down, and until he does, we cannot say what the future decisions are. But if he does step down, it needs to be notified to the Parliamentary Secretary and then the Election Commissioner, who will then Gazette the vacancy for the seat. We have a list of names that have been suggested, and Dhammika Perera is on that list,” Kariyawasam said.


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