CID waits for Arjuna Mahendran

COLOMBO (News1st): Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne ordered Former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran to appear before the CID on or before March 08, and provide a statement. The Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne ordered the notice on Mahendran to be delivered via express mail and through a courier service. Additional Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda informed court that Arjuna Mahendran is still overseas and that Interpol investigations have revealed Mahendran was living in the Singapore address provided earlier. Furthermore, he added that Mahendran's daughter had noted her father was aware of the notice issued on him. At a media briefing held today Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was questioned in this regard.

Question: You appointed the Governor of the Central Bank. He has been ordered by court for the second time to return to the country.You said you are responsible for him. What is your view now on this matter ?

The PM commented thus:

"The Commission has reported, the appointment is not an issue. It is not my job to produce him in court. He must decide whether to appear or not. He is no more at the Central Bank. These are individual decision they need to take. And a decision that need to be taken by court."

But dear Prime Minister as we recall this is what you said on October 28, 2016,

"When I met Arjuna Mahendran last week, he said that he will be attending a wedding and will return. He hasn't fled the country like Udayanga Weeratunga."