A leading opposition figure has raised serious questions regarding the financial integrity of the Central Bank Governor, citing alleged instances of insider trading and conflicts of interest. The absence of a public rebuttal from the Governor or the institution has intensified the call for immediate investigation and transparency.
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe is at the center of a growing controversy following a series of serious allegations leveled by politician Wimal Weerawansa.
The claims, which include insider trading and significant conflicts of interest, have so far been met with notable silence from the Governor, the Central Bank, and government officials.
The issue first emerged on September 28, 2025, when Mr. Weerawansa publicly accused the Governor of personally benefiting from “privilege and classified information” by purchasing treasury bills at crucial times. Mr. Weerawansa has stated on multiple occasions that he possesses evidence to substantiate these claims.
On October 30, 2025, Mr. Weerawansa expanded his allegations, detailing purported conflicts of interest. He claimed Dr. Weerasinghe is profiting from renting a personal property to the National Savings Bank (NSB).
Furthermore, Mr. Weerawansa alleged that the Governor sanctioned a Rs. 400 Million HR consultancy contract to a “close Malaysian friend.” He claimed Dr. Weerasinghe is also benefiting from renting his personal apartment in Colombo to Malaysian consultants working at the Central Bank under this contract.
Despite the gravity of these accusations, Dr. Weerasinghe has not, to date, publicly addressed or refuted the claims. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, as an institution, has also issued no counter-statement.
This silence extends to government ministers and key parliamentary watchdogs, such as the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). Mr. Weerawansa has also highlighted the silence of mainstream media and prominent economic think tanks, who have historically been vocal on matters of financial integrity.
Mr. Weerawansa has publicly questioned this lack of scrutiny, contrasting it with the intense media and political focus on former CBSL governors Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Arjuna Mahendran, Indrajit Coomaraswamy, W.D Lakshman, as well as former Treasury secretaries Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and S.R. Attygala.
Sources close to Mr. Weerawansa state he intends to pursue the matter, claiming he is now supported by two former senior Central Bank officials and two former senior Treasury experts. The allegations have also reportedly led to internal tensions, with claims that some CBSL staff are being monitored on suspicion of leaking information.
The continued lack of a formal response has fueled public debate. Critics argue that if the allegations are false, the appropriate response would be legal action for defamation. This silence, they contend, leaves a crucial question hanging over the personal integrity of the Governor and the institutional integrity of the Central Bank.
By Special Correspondent