National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Jagath Manuwarna stated in Parliament yesterday (10) that he has never evaded court or any legal process, rejecting media reports alleging he was in hiding to avoid an arrest warrant.
Responding to the reports during the parliamentary session, Manuwarna said the claims arose after he did not attend a tea party held following the recent Budget speech, with some outlets suggesting he skipped the event to avoid the media due to the warrant issued against him.
He said the case in question has been ongoing for 17 years and emphasised that he has never avoided court at any point. Although he had submitted several documents seeking permission to be excused from appearing on a specific date, the court had rejected the request — a decision he respected.
Manuwarna noted that he surrendered to court the very next day after the warrant was issued and ensured it was recalled, demonstrating his compliance with the legal process.
He further criticised repeated media reports claiming he was absconding, saying such reporting not only misrepresented him but also created public perceptions that the police were failing to perform their duties properly.
“We hold the judicial process in the highest regard. As defendants or accused, we will continue to respond to charges and support all required investigations in the proper manner,” he said.
Jagath Manuwarna added that he remains fully committed to cooperating with all legal proceedings.
