A heated political dispute between Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe, a young representative of the current government, and former Provincial Council Member Waruna Rajapaksha, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha electorate organizer, has escalated. Rajapaksha has leveled serious accusations against Abeysinghe regarding a “hidden business transaction” involving a “Rs. 100 million investment” that Abeysinghe allegedly failed to disclose, linked to a discussion at the Kingsbury Hotel.
Why Was the Rs. 100 Million Ethanol Deal Concealed?
While Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated he met three investors at the Kingsbury Hotel, Waruna Rajapaksha alleges that a fourth party and a deal involving an ethanol company were deliberately concealed. According to information presented by Rajapaksha, there is written evidence of discussions with an entity named “YG Holdings” regarding an ethanol company. This transaction reportedly proposed a “Rs. 100 million investment” to repair machinery and settle outstanding debts of the company.
Rajapaksha publicly questioned why discussions concerning a business owned by a cooperative society were held in a hotel lobby over coffee, rather than at the Minister’s office.
“High Octane” Lifestyle: Where Does the Income Come From?
Amidst these transaction allegations, Waruna Rajapaksha has also directly questioned Chathuranga Abeysinghe’s “personal lifestyle.” He pointed out that the Deputy Minister holds memberships at high-end gyms like “High Octane” and spends a significant amount, “Rs. 3,700 per day,” on a trainer. Rajapaksha publicly inquired about the source of income to cover these exorbitant expenses, questioning the true nature of young leaders who came to “uproot weeds and plant flowers.”
Lawsuits for Waruna? Or Chathuranga? The Minister’s Hearing Story.
Waruna Rajapaksha emphasized that he is unafraid of threats to sue him and is prepared to present further evidence. He also revealed that he has received information that “another group is preparing to file a lawsuit” against Chathuranga Abeysinghe for breaking promises regarding unfair enforcement of the law. He concluded that it will become clear with time whether “lawsuits will be filed against Waruna Rajapaksha or Chathuranga Abeysinghe.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that his senior minister, Sunil Handunnetti, “suffers from a hearing impairment” and uses a battery-operated “hearing aid.” Despite having arm and leg injuries, Abeysinghe noted on his social media account that Handunnetti is making a tremendous commitment to a transformative era in the Ministry of Industries, disregarding any obstacles. Analysts believe this post can be considered a unique allusion to abilities and strengths within politics and activism, and a slow but strategic move to “pat the ear.”
