COLOMBO (News 1st):- The former Secretary of Defence Hemasiri Fernando who is currently in remand prison has been summoned today (October 18) to appear before the Presidential Commission probing into the alleged financial irregularities in state institutions within the past four years.

He has been summoned over a series of irregularities said to have occurred during the digitalization process of the Peoples Bank when he served as its chairman. The investigations are currently ongoing according to a complaint lodged stating that this digitalization process caused the bank a loss of millions. An official of the PCOI stated that the prison officials have been notified of having summoned the former defence secretary.

Meanwhile, Minister Daya Gamage is due to provide evidence before the commission over the investigations into the loss created to the equipment of the Mattala International airport due to the storing of paddy. The secretary to the Prime Minister had notified the commission that the Prime Minister will not be able to make an appearance today (October 18) before the PCOI to also record evidence. Thereby, the Prime Minister is expected to appear before the commission on the 23rd of this month.

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