Rajitha Seeks Court Protection Against Arrest Over Sand Deal

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court has scheduled September 1 to hear a revision petition filed by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct.

The petition was taken up today before High Court Judge Indrika Kalingawansa, where legal representatives from both the petitioner and the Bribery Commission appeared.

The case relates to a controversial sand excavation project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour, allegedly awarded to a Korean company, which reportedly caused a loss exceeding Rs. 20 million to the government.

Senaratne claims that he faces imminent arrest over this matter and has sought judicial intervention.

Appearing for the Bribery Commission, Assistant Director (Legal) Sulochana Hettiarachchi informed the court that the commission had not yet received the relevant notice. She stated that her appearance was based solely on preliminary information available.

Representing the petitioner, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne argued that the necessary notices had already been submitted to the commission, and any delay may be due to an administrative oversight. He requested that the court proceed with the petition, given the presence of commission officials.

However, Judge Kalingawansa ruled that the petition could not be considered without the complete and properly issued notices. 

The judge instructed that the Bribery Commission be served with the necessary documentation before the next hearing.

The case will be recalled on September 1.