Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday called for an independent investigation of the revelations via Pandora Papers. 

“Once again, the secret dealings of world leaders as well as public officials have been laid bare before the world through the Pandora Papers. The exposé also provides clear evidence of how the offshore industry promotes corruption and emphasises the importance of maintaining open beneficial ownership registers, including in Sri Lanka,” TISL said in an initial statement. 

It said the Papers referred to extensive assets held offshore by former Deputy Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Nirupama Rajapaksa and her husband Thirukumar Nadesan. 

“Transparency International Sri Lanka calls on the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that independent investigations are carried out expeditiously into the revelations made by the Pandora Papers,” it said in its statement.

“This would entail allowing law enforcement authorities and the Judiciary to pursue and complete the existing pending investigations pertaining to the implicated persons without interference,” TISL added. 

It reiterated that it was imperative for Sri Lanka to domestically carry out a comprehensive investigation to determine if any of the wealth identified in the Pandora Papers emanated from the abuse of Sri Lanka’s public resources.

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