CID launches investigation in search of Rajitha Senaratne

Colombo (News 1st): The warrant issued by the Colombo Magistrate last evening, to arrest MP Dr Rajitha Senaratne, dominated the political arena today (December 25). Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Nelumdeniya issued the warrant last evening, after considering the facts presented by the Attorney General's Department and the Criminal Investigations Department. MP Dr Rajitha Senaratne has been accused of making false statements linked to white vans, during a media briefing that was convened on November 10th. At the time the warrant was issued, MP Senaratne was at his residence in Colombo while several factions including MPs of the opposition and representatives of civil societies visited his house throughout last night. A group of officers attached to the CID arrived at MP Rajitha Senaratne's residence at around 1.15 this afternoon. The group of CID officers left the MPs house after about 20 minutes. It was reported that MP Rajitha Senaratne was not at his residence at the time. Meanwhile, the residence of MP Dr Rajitha Senaratne located in Hettimulla, Beruwala was inspected by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department this evening. Our correspondent said the CID officers had recorded a statement from the security officer who was available at the time of the inspection.