AG directs IGP to conduct criminal investigation against ETI directors

• AG’s directive comes pursuant to findings of COI that probed into ETI
• ETI and subsidiary face charges of holding undisclosed account valued at over Rs. 13.7 B
• CID arrests three directors

The Attorney General (AG) yesterday directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct a criminal investigation against the directors of the Edirisinghe Trust Investment (ETI) Finance Ltd., and its subsidiary Swarnamahal Jewellers.

The AGs directive came pursuant to the findings by the Commissions of Inquiry (COI) appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to inquire into alleged wrongdoing, irregularities, and malpractice in connection with ETI Finance. 

Coordinating Officer of the AG State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, said investigations would probe the holding of undisclosed accounts by ETI valued at Rs. 13.7 billion, money laundering charges, and operating without authorisation of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The four directors of ETI – Jeewaka Edirisinghe, Nalaka Edirisinghe, Asanka Edirisinghe and Deepa Edirisinghe – are to be investigated in this regard.

On the Attorney General’s directions, the CID last evening arrested Jeewaka Edirisinghe, Anjalee Edirisinghe and Asanka Edirisinghe. They will be produced before the Colombo Magistrate today.

ETI’s assets included Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC, EAP Broadcasting Company Ltd. with its subsidiaries; EAP Films and Theatres Ltd. and its subsidiaries; Hotel Sapphire Ltd.; Swarnamahal Jewellers Ltd.; and other immoveable assets owned by ETI Finance.