The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is set to record a statement from Lalith Weeratunga, who served as Presidential Secretary during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tenure, over allegations that a bus imported on a duty-free basis for the Sports Ministry was handed over to Carlton Preschool, the Sunday Times learns.
The CID’s Financial Crimes Investigation Unit, which is investigating the allegation, has already launched inquiries. Also to be questioned is the then-Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat.
This probe forms part of a broader CID investigation into the ‘Siriliya’ project. The CID had previously submitted details to the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court regarding seven alleged irregularities connected to the Siriliya account. The court had directed the CID to seek the Attorney General’s advice on the matter.
Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris later informed the CID that evidence was insufficient to pursue criminal charges in six of the seven cases, leading to the case folder being set aside.
However, new evidence regarding the bus has since come to light, prompting the CID to make fresh submissions to the court and reopen the investigation. Reports indicate that the transfer of the bus resulted in a financial loss to the state.
Following this development, the CID has been instructed to summon Mr. Weeratunga and the former Additional Secretary to question them about the handover of the bus.
