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Thilini Priyamali scam: Web of victims to be questioned

16 Oct 2022

  • Suspect allegedly defrauded in excess of Rs. 3.2 b
By Skandha Gunasekara Investigators inquiring into the alleged frauds conducted by Thilini Priyamali of Thico Group at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Colombo are likely to begin recording statements from more victims as digital forensic probes by the Police have begun to unravel a broader network of the suspect’s dealings, The Sunday Morning learns. This, while the value of the alleged financial frauds by the controversial businesswoman has exceeded Rs. 3.2 billion following more complaints being lodged, it is also learnt.  Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa, speaking to The Sunday Morning, said that two new complaints had been recorded in the last two days.  “One was from a businessman in the Negombo area who made the complaint on Friday,” he said, adding that with the addition of the two new complaints, the total amount allegedly defrauded by Priyamali stood at Rs. 3.2 billion or in excess of that.  The Police are still in the process of analysing the full value of the alleged fraud. Priyamali’s alleged crimes were brought to light when a well-known businessman lodged a complaint with the Police against her for allegedly defrauding and misappropriating over Rs. 226 million from him. Priyamali was subsequently arrested by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), which is the lead investigator in the case. It is understood that the Police is currently conducting a digital forensic study of the suspect’s computers, mobile phones, and other digital devices. Sources close to the investigation told The Sunday Morning that as the Police unravel more dealings of the suspects through records on her digital devices, the investigators will continue to reach out to possible victims and seek further information. However, some of the victims may be reluctant to lodge complaints to provide details of their dealings in fear of incriminating themselves, a Police officer told The Sunday Morning on condition of anonymity. Nevertheless, the investigators are keen to map the web of deceit and will likely approach all identified victims to record their statements, it is learnt. According to the Police Spokesman, the courts will be taking up cases in the coming weeks as investigations progress. According to the initial Police B report, which The Sunday Morning has seen, several prominent figures including former Governor Azath Salley as well as Janaki Siriwardhana – who was linked to the controversial Krrish condominium project – appear to be implicated in the alleged financial frauds carried out by Priyamali. The B report has further stated that the businessman who was allegedly defrauded of Rs. 226 million in his complaint states that he was introduced to Priyamali by Salley and that transactions were made at Siriwardhana’s Krrish office located at the WTC.  Several attempts by The Sunday Morning to contact Salley for comment were of no avail.   


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