Sri Lanka’s Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Professor Ranjith Bandara: The Enigma of Financial Ties and Allegations

[ThinkTank]

Professor Ranjith Bandara, a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, has recently come under scrutiny due to his alleged connections and involvement in corruption. His role as a cashier and his ties to Basil Rajapaksa, a former minister, have raised questions about financial ethics and accountability.

The Cashier Connection

1. Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE): Professor Ranjith Bandara serves as the Chairman of COPE, a crucial parliamentary committee responsible for scrutinizing public enterprises. Recently, his son, Kanishka Bandara, participated in a COPE meeting, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest1 (https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/COPE-chairman-taken-to-task-over-son%E2%80%99s-involvement/155-271407).Questions have been raised about Professor Bandara’s connections to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), further complicating matters.

2. Allegations and Controversy: Critics argue that Professor Bandara failed to disclose his ties to SLC, which could constitute a conflict of interest. Transparency International Sri Lanka filed a case, alleging that Bandara mishandled his position and acted against the public interest (https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/COPE-chairman-taken-to-task-over-son%E2%80%99s-involvement/155-271407).

Basil Rajapaksa and Corruption

1. Basil Rajapaksa’s Role: Basil Rajapaksa, the younger brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, served as a minister for economic development. He faced corruption charges related to the “misappropriation” of state funds in a construction case (https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/COPE-chairman-taken-to-task-over-son%E2%80%99s-involvement/155-271407).

2. Supreme Court Verdict: Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that both Gotabaya Rajapaksa (ex-president) and Mahinda Rajapaksa (former president) were responsible for triggering the country’s worst-ever financial crisis. Basil Rajapaksa, along with other officials, was also held accountable for mishandling the economy, leading to bankruptcy and severe consequences for Sri Lankans (https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/COPE-chairman-taken-to-task-over-son%E2%80%99s-involvement/155-271407).

The Fallout and Ongoing Struggles
1. Economic Crisis: During the crisis, Sri Lanka faced inflation, power cuts, and shortages of essentials like fuel and medicine. The country declared bankruptcy and secured an IMF bailout, but its foreign debt remains substantial (https://www.dailymirror.lk/top-story/COPE-chairman-taken-to-task-over-son%E2%80%99s-involvement/155-271407).

2. Legal Implications: While the court ruling doesn’t impose penalties, it opens the door for potential lawsuits against those responsible. The verdict underscores the need for transparency and accountability in economic governance (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67423516).

Conclusion
Professor Ranjith Bandara’s connection as a cashier to Basil Rajapaksa and the broader context of corruption allegations highlight the challenges Sri Lanka faces in maintaining financial integrity. As investigations continue, the nation grapples with the aftermath of a devastating economic collapse.