Namal and Janaki are trapped with the testimony of Aishwarya Soni, who served as a director for Krish

Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday, the 23rd, ordered that Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa and Janaki Siriwardhana, a former director of Krish Company, be further remanded until November 06, in connection with the alleged incident of accepting a bribe of Rs. 70 million when leasing the Transworks Square land in Colombo Fort to Krish Company.

Rejecting the bail application submitted on behalf of the suspects, the Magistrate pointed out that since the certificate of the Bribery Commissioner has been presented to the court under Section 149 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, special circumstances are required to grant bail. However, this bail application was rejected, stating that the facts presented by the defense could not be accepted as special circumstances.

However, President's Counsel Ali Sabry, appearing for suspect Namal Rajapaksa, stated before the court that the prosecution with the Commissioner's certificate is politically motivated. He further alleged that the presentation of certificates under Section 149 is selective, with some individuals receiving them while others do not.

When the case was called, the Bribery Commission revealed several important facts to the court. It has been alleged that a sum of Rs. 70 million was given as a bribe to expedite the necessary approvals for transferring the Transworks Square in Colombo Fort, which belongs to the Urban Development Authority, to Krish Transworks Private Company. This complaint has been filed against Amit Katiyar and Rajendra Prasad Gupta, the Indian national directors of the company at the time of the transaction, as well as Janaki Siriwardhana and Namal Rajapaksa, who have been named as the third and fourth suspects. The Bribery Commission also pointed out that bank records have revealed that this Rs. 70 million bribe was offered on three occasions.

Presenting the latest progress of the investigations, the Bribery Commission informed the court that several former employees of Krish Company, who were previously hesitant and fearful to testify, have now given statements to the Commission without any fear, as the suspects are currently remanded. Two such witnesses have already provided statements, and several related evidentiary documents have also been submitted to the court.

Through further investigations, the Bribery Commission has also taken steps to name Aishwarya Soni, who served as a director of Krish Transworks Private Limited, as the 6th suspect in this case. This has been revealed through Krish Company's records, and the Director General of the Bribery Commission has issued a certificate regarding her under Section 149 of the Anti-Corruption Act. Additionally, it was reported to the court that the handwriting samples of the 4th suspect have been sent for examination.

In connection with the incident, a statement from the Divisional Secretary of Wellawatte, Colombo 12 has been recorded, and statements are also expected to be recorded from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Tourist Development Authority, the Survey Department, and HSBC Bank in the future. As further investigations are ongoing, a request was made to remand the suspects, and the Chief Magistrate, considering all the facts presented, decided to further remand the suspects until November 06.