PRECIFAC to probe import of substandard dynamite

Tuesday, 3 May 2016 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shanika Sriyananda

The anti-corruption commission is to commence an in-depth probe into the importing of 100 metric tons of substandard dynamite causing nearly Rs.22 million loss to the government.

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) has summoned the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Anusha Munasinghe, on 5 May, to give evidence on the alleged irregular deal.

Initial police investigations have revealed that the stocks of substandard dynamite were imported from 2012 to 2014. BUP_DFTDFT-2-GIOTA

“The importation was done purposely knowing that the stocks had expired. The authorities abusing their power, expected to release the stocks to the market at a very low price,” PRECIFAC sources told the Daily FT.

The source said that the PRECIFAC will investigate to whom the stocks have been sold and ascertain who the main authorities are, responsible for endorsing this deal.

“Our initial investigations indicate that the documents to import the stocks were signed by the Additional Secretary Munasinghe. Following his evidence, we will summon the other officials who are involved in this deal,” he said.

PRECIFAC was appointed by the President Maithripala Sirisena to investigate large scale corruption, financial irregularities and misuse of state power during the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s regime. It functions under the High Court Judges Padman Surasena, Amendra Seneviratna, Vikum Kaluarachchi, Gihan Kulatunga and former Auditor General B.A. Premathilake.