Gammanpila Claims Patali Filed Complaint Over Political Rivalry

COLOMBO (News 1st); Udaya Gammanpila today told the Colombo High Court that a complaint had been filed against him by former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka due to political differences between them.

He made this statement while giving evidence in the case filed against him over allegations of misappropriating company shares worth Rs. 20 million belonging to Australian businessman Brian Shaddick by preparing a fraudulent power of attorney.

The case was taken up today before Colombo High Court Judge Nadee Aparna Suwandurugoda.

During proceedings, evidence for the defence was recorded, with the testimony of the accused Udaya Gammanpila being led by President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando.

While giving his evidence, Udaya Gammanpila stated that a dispute had arisen between him and Brian Shaddick during business dealings.

He further explained in his testimony that former Minister Patali Champika, who had political differences with him, had become aware of this situation and had proceeded to file what he described as a false complaint against him.

During the recording of evidence, Udaya Gammanpila provided detailed explanations in response to the questions posed.

At this stage, the judge advised the accused to provide clear, precise, and truthful evidence before the court.

Accordingly, after the recording of the defence evidence was concluded, the High Court fixed a further date to recall the case for cross-examination of the accused.

The case is scheduled to be taken up again on July 1.

The case has been filed against former Minister Udaya Gammanpila over allegations that between September 26, 1996 and September 25, 1997, he had fraudulently misappropriated Rs. 20 million by selling 21 million shares belonging to a private bank purchased under Digital Nominees (Pvt) Ltd, owned by Australian businessman Brian Shaddick, by preparing a forged power of attorney.