Accused named by PRECIFAC files complaint with PCoI on political victimization

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Serious Acts of Fraud and Corruption (PRECIFAC) appointed by Former President Maithripala Sirisena found the Former General Manager (2012) of the Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation (CFHC) Chandana Pelpita accountable with regard to the Negombo Lagoon Development Project and the printing of desk diaries.

However, filing a complaint with the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing incidents of political victimization appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chandana Pelpita claims the complaint filed with PRECIFAC was, in fact, political persecution.

Chandana Pelpita claims he was not involved in the said transactions adding false evidence was produced to PRECIFAC to name him as an accused.

He said based on the recommendations made by PRECIFAC, a judicial process was instituted against him.

Chairman of the Presidential Commission probing incidents of Political Victimization Retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne at the outset said the possibility of a PCoI probing a matter investigated by a PCoI at a previous occasion, must be explored.

Accordingly, Additional Solicitor General Rohantha Abeysooriya assisting the PCoI on behalf of the Attorney General's Department was instructed by the Chair of the PCoI to look into the legal situation on the matter and report back.

Further, the PCoI on Tuesday (28) issued an order preventing individuals from making comments to the media at the premises of the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall premises where the commission is located at.

The Chairman of the PCoI said the Chairman of the National Elections Commission had informed that multiple complaints were received citing the violation of election laws as such incidents are taking place during the period of an election.

He warned not to make comments outside of the Commission Premises on matters brought to the attention of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry.

On a separate note, the evidence examination on the complaint filed by the former Chairman of Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited Victor Samaraweera was postponed to the 21st of August.

Counsel appearing for Ex-Ministers Patali Champika Ranawaka and Rajitha Senaratne informed the commission, as copies of the complaint need to be perused, it is wise to provide a date after the election.