The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is to question former Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga over allegations that a duty-free bus imported for the Sports Ministry was diverted to Carlton Preschool, owned by former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, The Sunday Times newspaper reported
According to the news report, The CID’s Financial Crimes Investigation Unit has reopened the case after uncovering fresh evidence suggesting the transfer caused a financial loss to the state. A former Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat is also expected to be questioned.
The inquiry is tied to the controversial ‘Siriliya’ project, launched under the patronage of Shiranthi Rajapaksa. The CID had earlier filed reports on seven alleged irregularities linked to the Siriliya account before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court. Six of the cases were closed following advice from the Attorney General’s Department citing insufficient evidence.
However, the discovery of new information concerning the bus prompted investigators to make fresh submissions to court. The CID has now reportedly been directed to summon Weeratunga and the former Additional Secretary to record statements on the matter. (Newswire)