News
Three-month foreign travel ban on CJ 43
View(s):By Wasantha Ramanayake
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has said Chief Justice 43 Shirani Bandaranayake is trying to leave the country to evade the inquiry into allegations regarding the non-declaration of assets. On this basis, the Commission has asked the Immigration and Emigration Controller Chulananda Perera to suspend foreign travel by Dr. Bandaranayake for three months.
Ms. Bandaranayake was informed of the travel ban through a registered letter signed by the Controller who said he was bound to carry out the orders of law enforcement authorities such as the courts, the Bribery Commission and police. While Dr. Bandaranayake’s passport remains in her possession, Immigration and Emigration Department officials will prevent her from leaving the country.
On April 11, the Commission invoking a power that was rarely exercised directed the Controller to prevent Dr. Bandaranayake from travelling abroad. The Commission said Dr. Bandaranayake was trying to leave the country to evade inquiry into allegations of bribery and corruption levelled against her. It said she had twice asked for time to file objections.
On April 1, Mrs. Bandaranayake told inquiring officers at the Bribery Commission that she would reply on May 17 to allegations that she had not declared her assets and liabilities. She had requested time to file her objections with regards to certain Commissioners whose family members had played a significant role in campaigning for her impeachment.
She had also informed the Commission that she was willing to answer the allegations if the Commission explained what those charges were. Accordingly, two officers informed her of the allegations related to her assets and liabilities declarations, authoritative sources said.
The Commission comprises Justice Jagath Balapatabendi (Chairman), Justice L. K. Wimalachandra and Jayantha Wickremaratne.
Dr. Bandaranayake was summoned before the Bribery Commission after she was found guilty by a parliamentary select committee of several charges against her during the impeachment hearing.
The report of the PSC was passed by Parliament and the President removed Dr. Bandaranayake from her post in January, though the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal had declared that the PSC inquiry was illegal and unconstitutional. The impeachment has come under heavy criticism both locally and internationally.
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