Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga today (May 26) issued a notice summoning the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to appear before court on Friday (18), to provide evidence in relation to the arrest of former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne.
This order was issued following the submission of a bail application by Rajitha Senaratne, seeking anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest over an alleged loss exceeding Rs. 20 million to the government. The allegation concerns the awarding of a sand mining project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour to a Korean company.
President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, representing the former minister, stated that Rajitha Senaratne—who had contributed significantly to the development of the fisheries sector—is expected to be arrested over what is essentially a civil matter.
He explained that the ongoing investigation pertains to the cleaning operations at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour. A case is currently pending before the Colombo Commercial High Court involving the non-payment of funds by the foreign company that undertook the cleaning using a sand dredger.
Counsel Gunaratne further urged the court to issue a notice to the Bribery Commission, asserting that the Commission is preparing to arrest the former minister over a case of civil nature.
He also argued that the attempt to arrest his client seems to be under charges that fall under either Section 70 of the Bribery Act No. 20 of 1994 or Section 111 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023—both of which are non-bailable offences.
After considering the submissions, Chief Magistrate Jayatunga ordered the Director General of the Bribery Commission to be present in court on the 18th to provide evidence related to the case.
