Court concludes recording of statements in case against Gamini Senarath and four others

The recording of statements from the witnesses in the case against Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's chief-of-staff Gamini Senarath and four others concluded before the Special High Court today (Feb 12).

Deputy Solicitor General Thusith Mudalige representing the Attorney General had informed the three-member judge bench comprising Justices Sampath Abeykoon, Sampath Wijeratne, and Champa Janaki Jayaratne that the summoning of witnesses to record statements would end today.

Meanwhile, President's counsel Ali Sabry representing the accused had told court that he would file a request seeking the release of his clients since the plaintiffs had failed to prove the charges against the suspects beyond a reasonable doubt.

The charges would be filed under Section 200 of of the Judicature Act when the case will be taken up for a hearing on February 22.

Former Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Piyadasa Kudabalage, former Samurdhi Commissioner Neel Bandara and Lasantha Bandara who are the other suspects in case were also present during today's hearing.

Charges have been levelled against the said suspects for misappropriating Rs 500 million belonging to Litro Gas Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. by trasnferring it to Helanko Hotels (Pvt) Ltd. The said amount was initally given by Canvil Holdings (Pvt) Ltd to Litro Gas Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. 

Accordingly, the Attorney General had filed charges against the suspects for violating the Penal Code, Public Property Act, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The suspects are accused of committing the fraud between February 1, 2014 and January 20, 2015.