PRECIFAC Concludes Inquiry On Hambantota Port "Karadiyawara Mangalyaya"

September 23, 2016

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) concluded the inquiry into the investigation regarding the alleged financial malpractices during the water filling ceremony, or the "Karadiyawara Mangalyaya" of the Hambantota Port.

The ceremony was held on August 15, 2010, with the participation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Several artistes including Jackson Anthony, Channa Wijewardena and Upuli Panibharatha were questioned by the commission regarding the event.

Anthony was the creative director for the ceremony held in 2010. Questions have been raised on the expenditure of the event as Rs. 15 million had been spent for the dance acts alone. The dance acts were performed by the Channa-Upuli Dance Academy run by popular dancers Channa Wijewardena and Upuli Panibharatha.

Furthermore, it is also said that the event was handled by an advertising and events company allegedly owned by Anthony.

Channa Wijewardena and Upuli Panibharatha were also questioned over the ceremony by the PRECIFAC last year. Recently, former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena was also questioned over the ceremony.