In an interview with the BBC’s Sinhala service Sandeshya, De Silva said the money had been invested in illegal ventures.

“Anyone knows that the Seychelles is a place where black money is turned into white money. Although the population there is just 60,000, there are over one hundred thousand enterprises. It means one person has two or three business ventures. This is because there is one business inside another business. To get back the money taken away from Sri Lanka we are seeking the services of consultants of the World Bank. We are currently holding discussions with them. We hope to seek the assistance of India to bring back to Sri Lanka the stolen money and hunt down the culprits”, said De Silva.

He also said that his ministry was looking into reports that a mafia was calling the shots at the stock market and that anyone involved in any nefarious activities will be brought to book.

(courtesy Sandeshaya)