Avant Garde Maritime chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi and retired Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando were arrested around 3.30 pm yesterday (06),in connection with Avant Garde’s having credited Rs. 35.5 million to Palitha Fernando Trust, which was considered as a bribe by the Bribery Commission. Avant Garde lawyers claimed it was not a personal account, and that the money was credited legally and was still with the fund.
When they were produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate, Gihan Pilapitiya at his official residence, the Magistrate enlarged them on Rs. 250,000 cash bail and Rs. one million surety each. Public was taken by surprise that they were released on being produced before the Magistrate. The story behind this episode is:
It is well-known that government politicians Champika Ranawaka and Rajitha Senaratne are behind Senadhipathi’s being trapped in legal issues.
Senadhipathi has told the media earlier that both ministers had solicited bribes from him.
It is ironic that Senadhipathi was arrested due to their influence.
But on the other hand, other Ministerial colleagues said to have intervened in getting bail for him.
In this connection, previously President’s counsel Thilak Marapana lost his ministerial position due to his having appeared as the lawyer for Senadhipathi.
