By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday further extended its order preventing former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal from leaving the country until May 23. On April 7, the Court had issued notices directing Cabraal to appear in court on May 2. However, the magisterial inquiry into the matter was not taken up for hearing since the government declared May 2 as a public holiday. 

Taking the facts into consideration, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala ordered to re-issue notices on former Central Bank Governor to appear in court on May 23.

The Court made this order pursuant to a request made by former Southern Province Governor Rajith Keerthi Thennakoon through a private plaint filed in terms of section 136(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act.

The petitioner said Cabraal is responsible for the country’s crippling economic crisis since he took measures to pay a US$ 500 million sovereign bond. The petitioner also stated that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka had incurred losses between Rs.10.4 – 10.6 billion from 2005 to 2015 to the Sri Lankan government, whilst Ajith Nivard Cabral was the head of Central Bank. The petitioner alleged Cabraal has committed a punishable offence under section 388 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust. The petitioner further alleged the former Governor is also liable for committing offences under the Registered Stock and Securities Ordinance.

President’s Counsel Maithree Goonaratne, Counsel Ashan Nanayakkara, Iresh Seneviratne and Chan Godakumbura appeared for the complainant.