The Colombo High Court rejected the preliminary objection made over the case filed against two accused, including former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, in connection with the controversial White Van press conference, and fixed date for the trial.
The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Damith Thotawatta.
The Colombo High Court rejected preliminary objections raised by President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne stating that the prosecution could not have filed such a case if the aggrieved party in this case, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had not lodged a complaint with the police regarding the incident.
The Order was issued following a request by Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, who appeared for the Attorney General, to dismiss the preliminary objection and fixed the case for trial.
The case was fixed for trial on June 18 by the Colombo High Court.
The Attorney General filed indictments comprising 14 charges of conspiracy and aiding and abetting under sections 190, 169 (G) of the Penal Code and Section 80 of the Presidential Election Act against Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former chairman of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation Mohammad Rumy in the Colombo High Court in connection with the controversial White Van Press Conference.
Sakalavalli Arachchige Sarath Kumara and Watareka Gamage Athula Sanjeewa Madanayake who were named as the first and second suspects in the case before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court have been released from the charges and they were named as prosecution witnesses in the indictment.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 – 01:02