Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara today (18) directed the Attorney General to file indictments against former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake before April 29, if the state intends to proceed with charges.
Ekanayake is accused of aiding and abetting the alleged misappropriation of over Rs. 15 million in state funds for a private trip taken by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to London for his wife’s graduation ceremony.
The Magistrate ordered the release of the former Presidential Secretary on two personal bails of Rs. 20 million each.
Notably, no foreign travel ban was imposed on the suspect, as the court maintained consistency with the first suspect, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also did not receive a travel ban.
In a detailed seven-page bail order, the Magistrate highlighted several key findings regarding the case:
The alleged misappropriation exceeds Rs. 16 million. The second suspect (Ekanayake) reportedly committed a criminal offense by approving state funds for a two-day private visit by the first suspect.
As the highest-ranking civil servant and chief accounting officer, the second suspect failed to verify whether the President’s visit was official or private. The court noted that he could not simply rely on data provided by other officers when approving such significant public expenditure.
The court observed that by approving funds for a private trip without due diligence, the second suspect demonstrated criminal intent and an abandonment of responsibility.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris raised concerns about organised attempts to intimidate witnesses and influence the judiciary.
He pointed out that certain individuals had identified witnesses in media briefings and shared videos of legal arguments, which could lead to witness tampering.
The Magistrate responded by stating that the law would be enforced against those moving beyond freedom of speech into "mental terrorism" and witness intimidation.
Furthermore, the ASG informed the court that Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe has been summoned to the Financial Investigation Unit of the CID at 9:00 AM on February 20 to record a statement.
The Kollupitiya Police have already notified her of the requirement.
The case is scheduled to be recalled on April 29.
Latest News
Italy probes Microsoft over 'Microsoft 365' price hike
China, Mongolia central banks renew currency swap agreement
Showers forecast for many areas tomorrow
Germany’s KNDS stake approved by Parliament Budget Committee
Europe on high alert as killer heat spreads
Namal alleges political opponents branded corrupt
Gold prices record sharp hike
Bail granted to former Southern Provincial Development Authority DG
EU opens antitrust probe into Sanofi's flu vaccine campaign
CSE sees minor gains
