Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne today (18) filed a motion before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court seeking an order to temporarily suspend the arrest warrant issued against him in connection with a Bribery Commission investigation.
The motion was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga. When the matter was called in open court, the Magistrate observed that such a request should be made in the presence of the complainant, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Accordingly, no interim order was issued on the motion.
Earlier this month, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for Senaratne’s arrest following submissions by the Bribery Commission. Investigators allege that the former minister had failed to respond to multiple summons and avoided giving a statement over a controversial contract awarded during his tenure.
The case is tied to a sand dredging project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour, which was awarded to a Korean company. CIABOC maintains that the deal caused a financial loss of more than Rs. 20 million to the state.
Authorities have since confirmed that Senaratne is missing, with investigators reporting that his phones remain switched off and his residence found empty. CIABOC has alleged that he is deliberately evading arrest.
Senaratne has also petitioned higher courts seeking relief, with the Colombo High Court scheduled to hear a related application on September 1. (Newswire)