Need to go to a foreign business conference - Yoshitha's request dismissed by the court

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama has ordered former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, who is accused of committing the offense of corruption causing a loss to the government, and Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to appear before the Colombo High Court after receiving the relevant notices.

Furthermore, the Magistrate rejected Mr. Yoshitha Rajapaksa's request to temporarily lift the travel ban imposed on him to attend an overseas business conference.

When this complaint filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was called before the court, the Commission informed the court that indictments had been filed against the suspects before the Colombo High Court. Accordingly, the Bribery Commission requested the court to order the suspects to appear before the High Court after receiving the relevant notices, and the Magistrate issued this order after considering the facts presented.

The Bribery Commission alleges that between September 01, 2006, and June 08, 2007, Mr. Yoshitha Rajapaksa was recruited into the Navy without proper educational qualifications and provided with British Royal Military training, thereby causing a loss to the government and providing him with undue advantage. On the 31st of last month, a case was filed against these defendants under eight indictments in the Colombo High Court. Mr. Wasantha Kumara Jayadeva Karannagoda has been named as the first defendant and Mr. Yoshitha Kanishka Rajapaksa as the second defendant, and in connection with this case, the names of 25 witnesses and 47 documentary evidence have also been submitted.

Appearing for suspect Mr. Yoshitha Rajapaksa, lawyer Raveen Nuwarapaksha stated before the court that his client had requested the temporary lifting of the travel ban imposed on him through a special motion filed last week, as he was scheduled to attend an international business conference. However, the Chief Magistrate pointed out that since indictments have now been filed before the High Court, that request cannot be considered, and informed that the relevant request should be presented before the High Court. At this instance, a panel of lawyers, including President's Counsel Savindra Fernando, appeared for the suspects.