June 04, Colombo (LNW): Proceedings in the money laundering case involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, have been postponed by the Colombo High Court until July 09.
The matter was called before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga yesterday (03), where the prosecution informed the court of ongoing proceedings before the Court of Appeal that could have a bearing on the case.
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara told the court that a revision application filed by the defence had recently been taken up by the appellate court and was fixed for hearing on June 16.
He noted that the prosecution had already indicated to the Court of Appeal that no evidence would be presented in the High Court case until the appeal-related proceedings had been addressed.
In view of the circumstances, the prosecution requested that the hearing be deferred without summoning witnesses. The court accepted the submission and ordered that the case be listed again on 9 July, directing all relevant witnesses to be present on the next hearing date.
The case stems from indictments filed by the Attorney General, who alleges that Rajapaksa acquired five parcels of land worth more than Rs. 73 million through funds suspected to be linked to unlawful activity. The charges have been brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with the prosecution maintaining that the transactions warrant judicial scrutiny.
