Ruling on Rajitha Senaratne and Mohammad Tasim Rumi's Case Postponed

COLOMBO (News 1st) - High Court Judge Sujeewa Nishshanka is set to issue a ruling on the 29th of November on whether or not to release two defendants without calling for evidence from the plaintiff, namely Former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and Former Chairman of the State Pharmaceutical Corporation Mohammad Tasim Mohammad Rumi. 

The defendants faced charges related to inciting false statements during a media briefing about presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in 2019, involving two disguised individuals.

During the trial, defense attorneys requested acquittal under article 200(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove its case.

State Counsel appearing at the case noted that the Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris was occupied with a separate case in the Supreme Court, thus a request of such nature should be made when he too is present. 

The ruling was postponed indicating that the judge's order is still being prepared. 

The prosecution's case involved allegations that the defendants facilitated false statements regarding serious accusations against Rajapaksa, including claims of abductions and killings linked to his direction.