Swiss embassy staffer : Travel ban further extended

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The overseas travel ban imposed on the Swiss Embassy employee Garnier Banister Francis alleged to have been abducted and threatened, has been extended until the 17th of December. Garnier Banister Francis appeared at the Criminal Investigations Department today at 9:00 am for the fourth consecutive date to provide a statement. The CID was still in the process of recording her statement at 6 pm today. The CID reporting its investigation progress to the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court said the investigations are yet to be completed. They added, Banister Francis was requested to reappear at the CID tomorrow as well. Attorney-at-Law Upul Kumarapperuma appearing for the aggrieved party requested for the statements to be recorded at the residence of the Swiss Ambassador considering the health condition of his client. Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara appearing for the Attorney General strongly opposed this requests and it was dismissed by the court as well. Attorney at Law Upul Kumarapperuma revealed that the lawyers representing the Swiss embassy staffer have been receiving threats and various influences and points out that if he withdraws from the case that would be against the policies of Sri Lanka. Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne stated that if such allegations are true it is a serious matter and ordered the aggrieved party to provide a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department. Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara stated that all lawyers should act professionally and not bring disgrace to the courts as it is an obstruction to carry out justice.