JVP Politburo Member and former member of the COPE committee in parliament Sunil Handunnetti today hit out at the Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, charging that he was totally responsible for the 'Treasury bond scam' in February.

 

Handunnetti said that Mahendran had disregarded accepted practice and procedure and had disregarded the tender committee. Although he was not supposed to be at the place of auction, Mahendran appeared at the place of auction twice, Handunetti said. It was his directive that was followed by the Central Bank, Handunnetti said.

 

He also pointed out that there were a number of issues about the involvement of the Bank of Ceylon in the auction. The mere fact that a state bank bought bonds on behalf of a private entity raises many questions, Handunnetti said.

 

Furthermore, Handunnetti slammed the three member committee appointed by the Prime Minister to investigate the matter. The committee cannot insist that there was no bond scam since it has been proven beyond doubt at the COPE committee hearings, Handunnetti said.