Sunday Times 2
Black money rears its ugly head
Sri Lankans are eagerly listening to news on radio watch TV to know who has jumped from one political party to another. They have not been disappointed as it has become a daily exercise, with prominent politicians and not-so-prominent politicians crossing over from one party to another. It is alleged that these crossovers are manoeuvred and enticed by flashing bundles of money, running into millions. The latest “big fish” hooked from the Greens to the Government side is alleged to have been paid a large sum of money. There is no proof of this, but only the giver and the receiver know the amount which changed hands.
Drug money in politics
Allegations of government politicians being involved in drug trafficking have been made by opposition political parties. Now not only those who have crossed over to the opposition, but those who have decided to stay with the government and act independently are openly making allegations that the Government is backed by kudu karayas, casino kings and commission kaakkas. The quantity of heroin detected during this year is a clear indication how those engaged in drug trafficking had the backing of political masters. Though detections were made, no suspects who are really involved in smuggling these consignments through containers and other concealment methods, have been ever touched or arrested, perhaps because of the political patronage they have.
Before the elections, allegations are being hurled around of corruption, drug trafficking, underworld activities and commissions. The question is also being asked how certain political parties are flushed with so much of money to be spent on pre-election campaigns on enormous cut-outs, banners, flags and other propaganda material. The crossovers from one party to another is another aspect which has opened out avenues to utilise illegally gained money to either prevent members from crossing over, or to buy over members from other parties. The recent crossover of a government minister caused a flutter. His public announcement that he was offered Rs.100 million by someone connected to the ruling party to stay put is a testament to the availability of illegal money.
Black money
Black money or illegal money is derived from illegal businesses such as:
- smuggling of contraband,
- drug trafficking,
- international arms sales,
terrorism,
nunderworld activities and organised criminal activities.
Out of these illegal businesses one could without hesitation say the illegal business of drug trafficking takes number one place. Just imagine an offer of Rs.100 million to prevent a member from crossing over. A newspaper article claimed that the going price of a bribe to prevent a crossover is Rs. 150 million. Perhaps the stake will increase as the January 8 polls day nears. The question is who has this amount of illegal money? How did they earn this money? How are they offering these large sums of money? There is no doubt there is enough “black money” available to be used for such despicable attempts to entice politicians to cross over or to prevent them from crossing over.
The people expect the Bribery Commission and the Income Tax Department to keep an eye on all those who are crossing over, as some of them are reported to have been bribed. The commission should call for the declaration of their assets under the bribery act while the Income Tax officers should take note of such information and conduct investigation.
IPL auction
Cricketers are auctioned regularly to be bought by clubs which take part in the Indian Premier League Tournament (IPL). Here, the cricketers are openly offered, bids are made openly and the highest bidder gets them. But in Sri Lankan politics, the offer, payment and purchase are being made secretly and thereafter the crossover takes place openly. In both cricket and politics here, the stakes offered are very high and before January 8, we could expect sensational crossovers due to very high offers of money.
If all black money available is brought to the open in a major countrywide crackdown, it could be utilised to provide relief to those who are living below the poverty line. Besides, such a move will prevent black money from being used for corrupt practices and activities such as manipulating politicians.
(The writer is a retired DIG)