Three attorneys — Rakhitha Rajapaksha, Charith Abeysinghe, and Aruna Sri Chathuranga — currently in remand custody over allegations of accepting a Rs. 120 million bribe to withdraw the detention order of the underworld figure known as “Harak Kata”, were produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday (17).
During the hearing, legal representatives for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) revealed that a portion of the alleged bribe had been channelled to senior police officers through the intervention of a Buddhist monk. Although CIABOC did not publicly disclose the monk’s identity, investigations point to Hakmana Nandāloka Thero, a controversial figure with extensive business and political connections.
Links to Coal Import Fraud
Hakmana Nandāloka Thero has been identified as a key stakeholder in Panaurora (Pvt) Ltd, the local representative for foreign coal suppliers Trident Chemphar Limited and Taranjot Resources (Pvt) Ltd.
Major shareholding of Panaurora is held through Invest LK and Sayaara Holdings, with Nandāloka Thero emerging as the principal shareholder via Invest LK.
Documented evidence shows that attorneys Rakhitha Rajapaksha, Sanath Bandara Jayasundara, Oshadha Herath, and Shanika Kumari also hold shares in these companies.
Investigators allege that Nandāloka Thero is the hidden mastermind behind the controversial coal procurement fraud that caused significant financial losses to the state by bypassing tender procedures. His influence is said to extend into political circles, particularly within the leadership of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP).
Political Protection and Privileges
Due to his political affiliations, Nandāloka Thero reportedly enjoys privileges such as the deployment of Civil Security Department personnel to work on his plantations, including the company Hakmana Plantation.
He has also appeared before the Special Presidential Commission investigating the coal fraud accompanied by two police officers for personal protection.
1,600 Phone Calls With Key Suspect
Investigators probing the alleged extortion of money from Harak Kata’s wife have uncovered over 1,600 phone calls exchanged between Nandāloka Thero and attorney Rakhitha Rajapaksha during the relevant period.
Despite this evidence, CIABOC has not yet summoned or charged Nandāloka Thero. Officials claim that his powerful political connections have obstructed attempts to bring him before the court.
CIABOC Challenged to Act
Nandāloka Thero has reportedly locked his Facebook account following recent developments. Critics have challenged CIABOC Director General Ranga Dissanayake to summon the monk, record his statement, arrest him, and produce him before court. They allege that Dissanayake lacks the authority or political backing to take action against a figure deeply connected to the coal fraud and influential political networks.