Thread by @RehanJayawick

1.0

Looks like prominent Businessman Dhammika Perera will be appointed as Minister of Technology and Investment Promotion.

This got me thinking about how low we have come as Nation and makes me wonder how much lower we can go.

Let me explain on this thread why.

1.1

Dhammika is not only a controversial businessman but he is also one of Sri Lanka’s richest men. What started off on jackpot machines later became a fledging casino business. A business that grew extraordinarily during 2005-2015.

1.2

Later, DP moved into bigger things. Rocell Lanka tiles, Lanka wall tiles are a few big ones he has acquired under his manufacturing arm of the business.

The finance arm of his business includes big players such as LB Finance, Vallibel Finance etc

1.3

DP also has stakes in banks such as Pan Asia Bank and Sampath Bank.

He later acquired Hayley’s. One of Sri Lanka’s biggest conglomerates that is into multiple sectors in the Country. Dipped products, Hayley’s exports are a few notable names under their manufacturing wing.

1.4

The tourism wing of Hayley’s include hotels such as Amaya and Kingsbury.

DP further diversified himself when he acquired the Delmege group of companies. Let me not get into that list because it will take most of this thread along with it.

1.5

Right now in time, DP is poised to take over two high powered ministries. My issue is not with him and his capability but purely on the basis that there is a massive conflict of interest dynamic that will come into play.

1.6

If Dhammika sold all his shares in all his companies and wanted to do good to the Country, I would be one of the first to congratulate him but that’s not the case.

1.7

Even if he resigns from the 128 companies that he owns, we all know that they will still be run through his trusted proxies. Most likely his wife or one or few of his close confidantes. Whatever investment he does bring in, will have some form of self enrichment.

1.8

If he does get appointed, his appointment alone insults the very fabric of why people first got onto the streets in the first place. His loyalty to the Rajapaksa’s is well documented and well known.

His most recent antic was praising GR saying what a great leader he is.

1.9

Fast forward that statement to now and GR has now become one of the most unpopular Presidents to have lived in this Country who hides in a bunker fearing for his safety. The people despise him yet he is still the President.

2.0

Now comes Dhammika into the fray. If it does happen, that will make me sick in the stomach, not because I dislike Dhammika but because I love my Country more. We fight day in day out to make this Country a better place to live in but incidents like this makes me question.

2.1

Makes me question if all this is worth it. Makes me question if we can change something that has been torn apart bit by bit.

Then I realize that it can be changed and we will keep on fighting until the very end.

We will never give up hope and neither will we leave.

2.2

So don’t be discouraged. I know times are tough but let’s all fight the good fight.

“ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”

#lka