Colombo High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne today (29) ordered the remand of former Minister Rajitha Senaratne in connection with a case filed by the Bribery Commission. The judge further directed that Mr. Senaratne be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.
The order was issued during proceedings before the Colombo High Court regarding a case filed by the Bribery Commission against Mr. Senaratne and three other defendants. The case alleges that the former minister caused losses to the government by leasing the Modara Fisheries Harbour to a private company while serving as the Minister of Fisheries.
When the matter was taken up before Judge Lanka Jayaratne today, Mr. Senaratne was present in court. At that time, the Bribery Commission’s counsel informed the court that although the accused had previously been granted bail, a warrant for his arrest was issued on August 12, after he repeatedly failed to appear before the Commission to provide statements in an ongoing investigation.
The Commission’s lawyer argued that the accused had violated provisions of the Bail Act and therefore requested that his bail in this case be cancelled and that he be remanded.
President’s Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for Mr. Senaratne, strongly objected to the request, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient grounds under the Bail Act to justify revoking bail. He further maintained that Mr. Senaratne has consistently appeared before court on every date, including today, and therefore could not be accused of evading proceedings.
Mr. Silva also described the Bribery Commission’s request as an “unusual act,” insisting that such individuals cannot be remanded without valid grounds. However, the judge cautioned the President’s Counsel to refrain from making personal accusations.
After considering submissions from both sides, Judge Lanka Jayaratne observed that court records clearly showed Mr. Senaratne had consistently appeared before the High Court since the case began. She noted that there was no evidence that he had failed to appear, attempted to exert influence, or interfered with proceedings in violation of Section 14(2) of the Bail Act.
The judge further noted that although allegations were made regarding his absence in another case, it was evident that he had not evaded court in this matter. On that basis, she ruled that there were no reasonable grounds to cancel the bail granted to him in this case, and accordingly rejected the Bribery Commission’s request.
However, Judge Jayaratne acknowledged that a warrant had indeed been issued against Mr. Senaratne and that he was aware of it. Therefore, the court was obliged to act in accordance with that warrant.
The judge then ordered that Mr. Senaratne be immediately remanded and directed that he be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court in connection with the pending case there. Prison officers were instructed to keep him in custody until he is produced before the Magistrate’s Court.
Following the court order, Mr. Senaratne was taken to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officers.
