Former minister under arrest warrant

By Dilip Jayasekara and D.G.Sugathapala   

Matara magistrate yesterday issued an arrest warrant on former Minister Basil Rajapakse who failed to appear in court in connection with the case against him on his alleged purchase of a land at Browns Hill area in Matara for Rs.50 million of illegally earned funds.   

The Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division investigating the purchase of land at Eliyakanda Road in Browns Hill area in Matara had earlier produced him in court and released him on bail.   

When the case was taken up yesterday before Matara Chief Magistrate Chaturanga Eranga Disanayake the suspect former minister was not present in court.   

Lawyers appearing for the suspect told court that he was undergoing medical treatment abroad and not able to appear in court. They produced a medical certificate in support of their submissions.   

However, the magistrate ordered the Financial Crimes Investigation Division to arrest and produce him in court.