Basil and Kithsiri summoned before Colombo HC on November 15

Former Presidential Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa and former Director of the Tourism Promotion Authority Kithsiri Ranawaka have been summoned to appear before the Colombo High court on November 15. 

A case was lodged against Basil Rajapaksa and Kithsiri Ranawaka based on five charges including the misappropriation of public funds under the Divi Neguma Development Department during the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

Accordingly it has been alleged that Kithsiri Ranawaka siphoned over Rs.2 million from the Divi Neguma Department. 

Ada Derana court reporters confirm that Basil Rajapaksa who has been called as the chief witness for the case was not able to attend court proceedings today (13). 

The legal representatives for Basil Rajapaksa made a request from the Court of Appeal that the case be heard at a different court than the Colombo High Court. The hearing of the case was temporarily suspended until the HC Judge reached a verdict on the request made by the legal representatives of Basil Rajapaksa. 

The Deputy Attorney General who was appearing for the Attorney General stated that this request is merely an attempt to prolong the hearing of the case. 

Accordingly it was declared that a decision on the request will be made on November 15. However, the Deputy Attorney General stated that both Basil Rajapaksa and Kithsiri Ranawaka should be present for sessions on November 15.