Minister Samantha Vidyarathna named several individuals and companies that allegedly received funds allocated for entrepreneurs under a World Bank loan program during what he called were previous “green” and “blue” governments.
Speaking in Parliament, Vidyarathna said the project was intended to support agriculture sector development, with a portion earmarked for entrepreneurs and industry-related initiatives.
“This list is long, so I’ll name a few,” he said.
Among those named was a company reportedly linked to Anoma Gamage, wife of former Minister Daya Gamage, which received Rs. 14.95 million. “There is no company and no repayment,” the minister alleged.
Vidyarathna also claimed that the son of former Ministry Secretary Bandula Wickramarachchi, who served under Minister Daya Gamage, received Rs. 8.2 million.
Asahi Construction Pvt. Ltd., said to be owned by the wife of former Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, received Rs. 18 million. Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda was also listed as having received Rs. 18 million.
A company linked to the son of former Minister Lakshman Senevirathna received Rs. 37.5 million, while another company reportedly connected to the brother of former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera received Rs. 48.1 million, according to the minister.
Vidyarathna noted that in June 2025, a Cabinet paper was submitted seeking Treasury funds to repay the amount owed to the World Bank.
He also criticized opposition lawmakers, saying, “The ones who took state money are now questioning why the government is giving a Rs. 200 incentive to estate workers.” (Newswire)