Rajitha Senaratne fails to appear before Bribery Commission, cites illness

By Roshan Thushara

Colombo, July 2 (Daily Mirror) - Former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who is accused of causing financial losses to the government by allegedly awarding a sand mining project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour to a Korean company without following proper procurement procedures, has informed the Bribery Commission today that he is unable to appear for questioning due to ill health.

The Bribery Commission’s Special Investigation Unit had summoned the former minister to appear at 9 a.m. yesterday (2) to provide a statement regarding the alleged irregularities. However, according to Bribery Commission sources, Senaratne’s lawyer appeared on his behalf yesterday morning and submitted a letter citing that his client was unable to attend due to a medical condition.

The Bribery Commission previously presented evidence to Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, seeking approval to arrest and produce Rajitha Senaratne before the court in connection with the case.