Where Did KP’s Gold Disappear? Fonseka Goes To Bribery Commission

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has launched a high-profile investigation into the fate of large quantities of gold reportedly taken into custody from Kumaran Pathmanathan, widely known as KP, following his arrest.

As part of the probe, former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka appeared before the Commission today (11) to provide evidence regarding the matter.

Kumaran Pathmanathan is regarded as the key figure who managed the international financial operations of the LTTE. Following the destruction of the LTTE leadership in May 2009, he emerged as the head of the organization.

However, in August 2009, KP was arrested in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during a joint operation conducted by Sri Lankan intelligence agencies and international security forces, after which he was secretly brought to Sri Lanka.

After his return, KP remained under government protection and was later directed towards engaging in peaceful political processes and social service activities.

The ongoing investigation centers on allegations that several tonnes of gold, believed to have been in KP’s possession, had been taken over by authorities at the time, raising questions about what subsequently happened to those assets.

Speaking after providing testimony, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka clarified his position regarding the matter.

“I was called to appear before the Commission regarding Kumaran Pathmanathan, also known as KP, who was arrested in 2009. It has been reported to the Bribery Commission that certain quantities of gold in his possession had been taken over by the government and relevant security officials at that time, and I was asked what I know about it,” he told reporter.

He went on to note that ,however, when KP was arrested, “I was not serving as the Army Commander. I was holding the position of Chief of Defence Staff. Therefore, if any items were taken into custody from him, I do not have details about them. I retired from the position of Chief of Defence Staff on November 16 of that year. That is what I explained to the Commission.”

The Former Army Commander said that during his tenure, he had no dealings with KP in relation to such matters.

The investigation has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the alleged gold stocks involved, with authorities now seeking to establish the chain of custody and accountability surrounding the assets seized in the aftermath of the war.