Former Minister CB Remanded for Two Weeks After Failing to Explain Rs. 50 Million Earnings in Two Years

 Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday (2) ordered the remand of former Minister C.B. Rathnayake until the 16th of next month, on charges of possessing assets exceeding fifty million rupees (Rs. 57,347,956.98) which he failed to disclose how they were legally acquired within a short period of two years.

The Magistrate pointed out that the suspect was an individual who did not disclose information about his assets at the initial stage, and if he were released at this moment, it could obstruct future investigations. For this reason, the Magistrate stated that the defense's bail application was rejected. It was further emphasized in court that the suspect had not appeared for investigations until the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) requested him to do so, especially if there were grounds to prosecute for illicit assets.

This investigation commenced based on an anonymous petition received in March 2015, and the Bribery Commission informed the court that the suspect had illegally acquired the said amount between March 31, 2011, and March 31, 2013. The charges filed under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 19 of 2023 include several points such as the purchase of land worth millions in the Ragala area,

operating a partnership business named 'NBR Sun', obtaining duty-free vehicle permits, spending money for friends' trips to Dubai, and receiving one crore rupees from a deceased brother.

Investigating officers stated that the suspect was arrested and produced before the court when he appeared before the Bribery Commission to give a statement regarding the incident. During the recording of statements, further information about assets was revealed, and therefore, the suspect's relatives are also expected to be questioned regarding these.

Attorney Thishya Weragoda, appearing for the suspect, argued that the Bribery Commission's request to remand his client based on an incident more than ten years old was unfair and malicious. He further stated that there are practical difficulties in providing details about such old transactions, especially since bank documents are not kept for more than five years. The lawyer also requested bail for the suspect, citing his need to go to Walapane to provide relief to the disaster-affected people.

Considering the arguments from both parties, the Chief Magistrate pointed out that the suspect had not voluntarily come forward to disclose his assets until summoned by the Bribery Commission. Accordingly, the court concluded that granting bail to the suspect could obstruct future investigations and evidence. The court therefore rejected the bail application, ordered his remand, and instructed the Bribery Commission to report the progress of the investigations to the court on the 16th of next month.