Trial on Alleged Apartment Benefit to Resume Next Month

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court today fixed February 6 for the continuation of the trial filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Perpetual Treasuries Director Arjun Joseph Aloysius.

The case was taken up before High Court Judge Mohomed Mihal.

During today’s proceedings, evidence for the prosecution was recorded under the supervision of Additional Solicitor General Janaka Bandara.

According to the indictment, between February 12, 2016 and September 30, 2016, then‑Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake had allegedly resided in an apartment at the Monarch Residencies. The unit had been obtained under the name of Walt & Row Associates (Pvt) Ltd, where Arjun Aloysius served as a director.

CIABOC charges that the rent payment of Rs. 11.68 million constituted a benefit received by the then minister, amounting to an offence under Section 19(a) of the Bribery Act.

The second accused, Arjun Aloysius—also a director of Perpetual Treasuries Ltd.—has been indicted for allegedly aiding and abetting in providing this benefit.

The High Court directed that further evidence be heard on February 6.