Do Sri Lankan diplomats who have concluded their postings in foreign capitals enjoy diplomatic immunity?
The question has come to the fore in the wake of one of them facing court action over the alleged misappropriation of funds whilst serving in a foreign capital. The diplomat, Jaliya Wickremasuriya, former ambassdor to US, had obtained court permission and travelled to Washington where he has business interests.
He is now learnt to have taken up the position that he cannot be ordered to return to Sri Lanka because he enjoys diplomatic immunity. In support of his argument, he had produced a document from the Government to say he enjoyed such immunity.
However, authorities in Colombo had got in touch with the former diplomat’s host country. They had officially confirmed in a document now, that he does not enjoy such immunity. As a result, a court order has now been issued for his arrest.
Ajith Gallage, the owner of a Bird Park in Nagarawawa, Hambantota, has been remanded over allegations of concealing illegally imported motorcycles, in a warehouse owned by him.
The final rites of veteran broadcaster, writer, and lyricist Nirmala de Alwis will be held today at Peradeniya.
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