Ruling on Basil's appeal against misappropriation case on Sept 27

The ruling on an appeal petition filed by former Minister Basil Rajapaksa challenging an ongoing case against him will be announced on September 27, the Appeal Court said today (Jul 31).

A case had been filed at the Colombo High Court against Mr. Rajapaksa for misappropriating Rs 29 million worth funds belonging to the Divineguma Department during his tenure as Minister of Economic Development.

The case was being heard before High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga.

Mr. Rajapaksa had appealed against the case by claiming that a fair hearing could not be carried out since judge Kulatunga had been a member of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate and inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) which investigated against him.

The Appeal Court had then issued an interim order suspending the hearing of the case. The interim order had been extended until  September 08 today.