Rajitha files amended anticipatory bail application

Colombo (News 1st): Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne filed an amended anticipatory bail application with the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court once again today (December 20). The initial anticipatory bail application and affidavit were rejected by Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne, as the offence which he would likely be arrested for, was not clearly mentioned. The Chief Magistrate refused to issue a notice to the respondents named in the application as well. Attorney at law Guneratne Wanninayaka noted that they came to court because certain unqualified ministers have created a rumor that Rajitha will be arrested tomorrow. He added that even the court admits there is no charge, however, they fear that they might be arrested over some unknown charge. He said this is why they filed an amended anticipatory bail application. Speaking to the media MP Rajitha Senaratne said that he hasn't murdered or looted. He pointed out that one case is linked to a motor accident and the other is linked to a media briefing. Therefore he noted that anyone can see the difference. MP Udaya Gammanpila of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya speaking to the media noted that he believes that Rajitha Senaratne not being arrested is going to be an obstacle to these investigations. He added that there are facts that determine whether a person can be granted bail or not.

1. Will there be a conflict in the society if this person is released?
2.  Will this person threaten the witnesses?
3. Whether this person will hide instead of helping the case?

According to these facts, he said as a lawyer he believes that Rajitha Senaratne should be remanded until the investigations are over. Journalists also questioned Vasudeva Nanayakkara regarding the Rajitha Senaratne issue.

Question: There was information on arresting Rajitha Senaratne today? Vasudeva Nanayakkara: We are not related to this matter. We don't want to grab his rights. Question: Is there a plan to arrest him? Vasudeva Nanayakkara: No no we don't have such plans. Ask the police. Question: Thalatha Athukorala said that you'll interfere in the AG's Department. Vasudeva Nanayakkara: Where have we interfered? Dappula De Livera does not listen to what we say. Dappula De Livera is now the Attorney General. The president told him in this situation can't we get him to courts without arresting him? He inquired on that. We can't remove Dappula De Livera because a Parliament proposal should be tabled after that there should be an investigation, removing him is like removing a prosecutor. He is a person who has independent power. How can we affect him?

The State Minister also spoke about former Governor of the Central Bank Arjuna Mahendran. He noted that the Attorney General has taken steps and they are continuing through the  Foreign Relations ministry. He noted that if Dinesh Gunawardena is questioned regarding this he will say the latest moves they have made in order to get it. Nanayakkara believes that he has already escaped from Singapore and has become a fugitive.