G.L. Peiris questioned by Bribery Commission over Shangri-La Hotel investment

Former Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has revealed that he was questioned by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over the circumstances surrounding the Shangri-La Hotel investment in Sri Lanka.

Explaining his involvement, Peiris said he assumed duties as Foreign Minister on April 23, 2010, several months after the end of the civil war, when Sri Lanka was facing significant economic challenges and struggling to attract foreign investment.

He said representatives of the internationally renowned Shangri-La hotel chain had expressed interest in exploring opportunities to establish a hotel in Sri Lanka and sought the government’s response to a proposed visit.

Peiris said he referred the matter to then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as he believed the decision required approval at the highest level.

According to Peiris, Rajapaksa welcomed the proposal and instructed him to encourage the investors to visit Sri Lanka, highlighting the improved security environment following the end of the war.

The former minister said promoting tourism was among the responsibilities assigned to him through an extraordinary gazette notification issued after he assumed office.

He said the government had encouraged the investment because it was expected to attract high-spending international tourists and strengthen investor confidence in Sri Lanka.

Peiris also argued that the arrival of Shangri-La helped create confidence among other international hotel operators, referring to subsequent developments, including the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel in Colombo.

He said the Colombo area had undergone significant development since 2010, with new hotels, roads and other infrastructure.

Peiris stressed that he had not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the matter.

He said the Bribery Commission had summoned him solely to obtain information about the circumstances surrounding the investment and the government’s involvement at the time. (Newswire)

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