Money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa deferred pending appeal hearing
By M. F. M. Basir
COLOMBO – The Colombo High Court on Thursday (4) postponed proceedings in the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa until July 9, pending the outcome of a review application currently before the Court of Appeal.
The case was taken up before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, where the prosecution informed the court that witness testimony would not proceed until the appellate court considers the review petition filed by the accused.
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara told the court that the Court of Appeal had taken up Rajapaksa’s review application on June 3 and fixed it for hearing on June 16.
“Until the Court of Appeal hears and determines the matter, the prosecution will not proceed with recording witness evidence,” Bandara said, adding that the Police had already informed the appellate court of this position.
He requested that the trial be postponed without summoning witnesses.
Accepting the submission, Judge Ranatunga adjourned the case until July 9 and directed that all witnesses be present in court on the next hearing date.
The Attorney General has filed charges against Rajapaksa, the second son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, alleging that he unlawfully acquired five parcels of land valued at more than Rs 730 million.
The postponement comes a day after the Court of Appeal granted leave to hear Rajapaksa’s review application challenging a previous High Court ruling that allowed the money laundering case to proceed
-ENCL
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.