The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (12) issued an arrest warrant against former Minister Rajitha Senaratne after the Bribery Commission informed the court that Senaratne has been evading summons and refusing to record his statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The investigation concerns allegations that Senaratne caused a loss exceeding Rs. 26.2 million to the government by awarding a sand mining project at the Kirinda fishing harbour to a Korean company. Reports indicate that Senaratne has been out of contact and avoiding his residence to evade arrest despite multiple attempts made by authorities.
Legal representatives informed the commission that Senaratne had filed a bail application before the Magistrate’s Court regarding this case. However, the former minister repeatedly failed to appear before the Bribery Commission for questioning, offering various unsubstantiated excuses and delaying the process.
Due to Rajitha Senaratne’s continued non-compliance, the Bribery Commission requested his arrest. Although the Magistrate Court initially granted bail, the Colombo High Court later overturned that decision and ordered his arrest.
Senaratne has filed a petition challenging the High Court’s decision. The Colombo High Court has scheduled a hearing on this petition for 1 September.
