Three state agencies have launched independent investigations into how the UK-based Lyca Group acquired 12 local media outlets.
The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that the Ministry of Defense has instructed the State Intelligence Service to conduct a comprehensive investigation in this regard. The Criminal Investigation Department has informed the Attorney General that it has sought the assistance of the Financial Intelligence Unit regarding Ben Holdings (Private) Company and Blue Summit Capital Management Private Company, which are affiliated with the Lyca Group, Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena told the court.
In addition, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has also launched an investigation into the acquisition, he added.
Additional Solicitor General Dharmawardena reported these facts to the court when a Fundamental Rights Petition filed by the Chairman of the Citizens’ Movement Against Fraud, Corruption and Waste, Kamantha Thushara, challenging the acquisitions, was considered by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Menaka Wijesundara and Sampath Abayakoon.