Former Minister of Fisheries, Rajitha Senaratne, who is accused of causing financial losses to the government by allegedly awarding a sand mining project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour to a Korean company without adhering to government procurement procedures, failed to appear before the Bribery Commission yesterday (2), citing illness.
According to sources at the Bribery Commission, a letter was sent to Rajitha Senaratne by the Chief Inspector of Police attached to Special Investigation Unit No. 01, requesting him to appear at 9:00 a.m. yesterday to provide a statement regarding the allegations.
However, Senaratne’s legal representative appeared before the Commission on his behalf and submitted a letter claiming that the former minister was unable to attend the proceedings due to health reasons.
The Bribery Commission had earlier submitted its evidence on May 27 before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, stating that Rajitha Senaratne is to be arrested and produced before the court on suspicion of his involvement in the controversial project.
