Political Adviser at British High Commission Comes Under Scrutiny Over Disclosure Questions
By a Special Correspondent
Colombo — A political adviser attached to the British High Commission in Sri Lanka has come under growing public and political scrutiny amid questions over whether historic family links to one of South Asia’s largest Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud cases were adequately disclosed during his appointment process.
Insaf Bakir Markar, who serves as a political adviser at the British High Commission in Colombo, is now the subject of discussion in diplomatic, political, and civil society circles following renewed attention on the infamous VAT refund scam that cost Sri Lankan taxpayers billions of rupees in the early 2000s.
The controversy centres not on any allegation against Mr.Insaf Bakeer Markar personally, but on whether his family background and its connection to the VAT fraud investigations were formally disclosed to the British authorities at the time of his recruitment, as would normally be expected under standard due diligence and conflict-of-interest procedures.
Background to the VAT Scam
The VAT fraud case—widely regarded as one of the largest tax frauds in Sri Lanka and South Asia—resulted in several high-profile investigations, prosecutions, and convictions. The scheme involved the fraudulent claiming of VAT refunds running into billions of rupees, depriving the Sri Lankan state of substantial public revenue.
Mr. Makar’s father, Imtiaz Bakeer Makkar, a former Member of Parliament, was among those investigated in connection with the scam. Court proceedings and public records from that period indicate that multiple individuals were charged and convicted in relation to the fraudulent VAT claims.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has, in private remarks made in later years, acknowledged that he intervened during his presidency to prevent police questioning of certain political figures in relation to the VAT investigations. These statements have been cited by critics as evidence of political interference in what was otherwise a major financial crime against the state.
Questions Over Disclosure and Due Diligence
The current debate focuses on whether Mr. Insaf Bakeer Markar disclosed these family connections—particularly his father’s involvement in the VAT investigations—when applying for a politically sensitive role within a foreign diplomatic mission.
British taxpayers and Sri Lankan civil society groups are now asking whether the British High Commission was fully informed of:
-
the scale and seriousness of the VAT fraud case;
-
the political interventions acknowledged by former state leaders; and
-
the implications these connections may have for impartiality, perceived conflicts of interest, or reputational risk.
Government sources indicate that Sri Lanka’s current administration is considering re-opening investigations into the VAT scam, a move that has added urgency to these questions.
Funding of Overseas Education Also Questioned
Another issue being raised—again, without any allegation of wrongdoing—is the source of funding for Mr. Markar’s education in the United Kingdom. Critics argue that, given the absence of publicly known independent wealth at the time, questions naturally arise as to whether funds linked to the VAT fraud may have indirectly contributed to overseas educational expenses.
Observers stress that these are questions of transparency, not accusations, and note that such concerns could be addressed conclusively through voluntary disclosure and documentation.
Allegations of Political Proximity
Further controversy has emerged from claims by opposition politicians that Mr. Markar maintains visible proximity to politicians from a particular Sri Lankan political party, attending meetings with them alongside British diplomats, while allegedly having limited engagement with other political actors.
These critics argue that—even if unfounded—such perceptions could undermine the appearance of neutrality expected of diplomatic political advisers, particularly in a politically polarised environment.
Calls for Clarification, Not Conclusions
Diplomatic analysts emphasise that the matter can be resolved through clear institutional processes. “This is not about guilt or innocence,” said one former diplomat. “It is about disclosure, transparency, and safeguarding the integrity of diplomatic missions.”
As of publication, neither Mr. Insaf Bakeer Markar nor Imthiyaz Bakeer Markar has publicly responded to the questions being raised. This publication has sought comment from all parties concerned and will publish any response in full.
With Sri Lanka revisiting unresolved corruption scandals of the past, the episode highlights a broader issue: how historical political corruption continues to cast long shadows over contemporary governance, diplomacy, and public trust.