Defense quotes CIABOC policy decision; CIABOC Counsel unaware of said decision

Colombo (News 1st);  The new Chairperson of the Bribery Commission and the Commissioners have reached a policy decision to withdraw the charge-sheet with 45 cases filed by the Director-General of the Bribery Commission without documented approval from all three commissioners, and to conclude proceedings of the cases, said President's Counsel Shavendra Fernando appearing for the defense at the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court on Monday (22).

The President's Counsel said the decision was made based on the Supreme Court ruling in the case between Anoma Polwatte vs the Bribery Commission, where it was ruled that filing cases without the approval of all three commissioners and the chairperson of the bribery commission were illegal. President's Counsel Shavendra Fernando also informed the court that charge sheets with respect to several cases filed with the Colombo Magistrate's Court have already been withdrawn. He told the court that he expects the charge-sheet in the case filed against his clients would also be withdrawn. President's Counsel Shavendra Fernando made these remarks when the case filed against Former Chairman of Laksala Anil Koswatte, Upali Dharmasiri, Lakshmi Minoli Ediriweera Perera, and Rohini Malkanthi for committing offenses under the bribery act by deviating from the proper procurement process and allowing the private sector to construct buildings for the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board (Laksala), was called up on Monday (22). However, Counsel appearing for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed the court that she was not made aware of the decision taken by the Bribery Commission as mentioned by the President's Counsel adding if objections are to be filed, the court will be informed of it at the next hearing. Accordingly, Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragama ordered for the case to be called up again on the 04th of June.