SJB Councillor Remanded Over Police Assault

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne will appear before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (29), as confirmed today (28) by his legal counsel, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, during a hearing at the Colombo High Court.

This statement was made during the hearing of a revision petition filed by Senaratne, seeking a suspension of the arrest warrant issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. The petition was heard before High Court Judge Indrika Kalingawansa.

The High Court, having decided to examine the revision petition, issued notices to the respondents named in the case, including the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Presenting arguments, Indatissa stated that the investigation was initiated based on an anonymous complaint from 2013, alleging misuse of a vessel named “Weligowwa” belonging to the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation.

Although CIABOC had summoned Senaratne to appear on July 2, he was unable to attend due to illness and submitted medical reports to justify his absence.

Indatissa further explained that his client had exercised his legal rights by applying for bail before the Magistrate’s Court, which was subsequently rejected, prompting the filing of the current revision petition.

He noted that the petition was accepted for review and notices were issued accordingly.

The counsel also revealed that on August 12, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court issued an arrest warrant for Senaratne, which he claimed was procedurally flawed.

Citing the Criminal Procedure Code, Indatissa argued that such a warrant must be preceded by the presentation of evidence, which he alleged was not done in this case. He accused the Additional Magistrate of issuing the warrant without proper evidentiary support.

He requested the High Court to annul the warrant, stating it was entirely contrary to legal norms.

Given that the Magistrate’s Court had issued a notice requiring Senaratne to appear, Indatissa confirmed that his client would comply and be present in court tomorrow.

He also requested the High Court to issue an interim order temporarily suspending the arrest warrant.

After considering the submissions, the High Court Judge stated that only notices would be issued at this stage.

The revision petition is scheduled to be heard again on September 10.