The Bribery Commission has informed the Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela that former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne, named as a suspect in a controversial sand mining project at the Kirinda fisheries harbour, has gone off the radar—disconnecting his phone and vacating his residence.
The project in question, awarded to a Korean company allegedly without following proper legal procedures, is said to have caused a financial loss of Rs. 26.3 million to the government.
Despite being summoned several times to provide a statement regarding the matter, investigators told the court that Senaratne has repeatedly evaded the request by submitting false and misleading information.
His legal representatives have submitted a medical report claiming that he is unwell. However, the Bribery Commission has stated that the report lacks proper legal validity and fails to justify his continued absence from the investigation.
Investigators further noted that the former minister has, at times, claimed to be overseas—another claim they believe is aimed at evading the court and the commission’s inquiries.
As a result, the Bribery Commission has requested a warrant be issued for his arrest, citing his deliberate attempts to mislead the court and obstruct the investigation.
When asked by the Magistrate whether any medical documentation has actually been submitted, investigators confirmed that such documents are included in the commission’s file.
Magistrate Kekunawela stated that if a warrant is to be issued, the relevant documents must be officially submitted to court. He also reminded the investigators that the Bribery Commission has full authority to arrest suspects involved in such cases.
He further ordered the officers to exercise that authority and arrest the suspect and produce him before court without delay.
Related news: Rajitha Senaratne Expected to File Anticipatory Bail Today (14 July)
