Basil & Kithsiri Summoned Before Colombo HC on November 15

A case was filed against Basil Rajapaksa and Kithsiri Ranawaka based on five charges including the misappropriation of public funds under the Divi Neguma Development Department during the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. In this case Kithsiri Ranawaka, former Director of the Tourism promotion Authority alleged to have siphoned over Rs.2 million from the Divi Neguma Department.

When the case was called Basil Rajapakshe was not present and the court was informed that he was unable to attend court proceedings yesterday (13) and sought another date. Further the legal representative for Basil Rajapakshe. The legal representatives for Basil Rajapaksa made a request from the Court of Appeal that the case be heard at a different court than the Colombo High Court. The hearing of the case was temporarily suspended until the HC Judge reached a verdict on the request made by the legal representatives of Basil Rajapaksa.

At this stage the Deputy Attorney General, who was appearing for the Attorney General stated that this request is merely an attempt to prolong the hearing of the case.  The Court informed the parties concerned that a decision on the request will be made on November 15. However, the Deputy Attorney General stated that both Basil Rajapaksa and Kithsiri Ranawaka should be present for sessions on November 15.

Accordingly, former Presidential Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa and former Director of the Tourism Promotion Authority Kithsiri Ranawaka have been summoned to appear before the Colombo High court on November 15.