Fisheries Fraud Fallout: Rajitha Senaratne Ordered to Appear in Court - DTV News Sri Lanka

Описание: The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued a formal notice to former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, instructing him to appear before the court on August 29.

The notice was issued by Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, under Section 60(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, following a motion filed by the Bribery Commission.

During the hearing, Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Sulochana Hettiarachchi, appearing on behalf of the Bribery Commission, stated that in order to obtain an order under Section 60(1), supporting evidence must be presented.

Accordingly, two investigating officers were summoned to provide testimony regarding an alleged irregular project involving the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour and the use of the Weligowwa fishing vessel.

The officers—Chief Inspector Tushara Sampath Pushpakumara and Inspector M. Wimalaratne of the Bribery Commission’s Investigations Division—testified that the investigation was initiated based on an anonymous complaint.

They revealed that the project had caused a financial loss of Rs. 26.2 million to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Following preliminary investigations, former Chairman of the Fisheries Corporation Upali Liyanage and former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne were named as suspects.

The investigating officers informed the court that the first suspect, Upali Liyanage, was previously arrested and released on bail under court orders. However, the second suspect, former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, has reportedly evaded the Bribery Commission.

Investigators informed the court that although a notice was issued on August 7 requesting the former minister to appear before the Commission and provide a statement, he failed to do so.

Instead, his legal counsel submitted a prescription slip citing illness, in lieu of a formal medical report.

Due to his continued absence, investigators obtained a search warrant and inspected five locations where the minister was believed to be staying. However, he was not found at any of those premises.

Investigators further stated that the inability to obtain a statement from the suspect has hindered the final stages of the investigation.

Therefore, they requested the court to issue a formal notice under Section 60(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, compelling the suspect to appear. After reviewing the evidence, the magistrate issued the order accordingly