October 18, Colombo (LNW): Investigative records concerning former Minister Basil Rajapaksa have been referred to the Attorney General’s Department for consideration and further legal proceedings, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala has confirmed.
The development comes as reports emerge that authorities are exploring measures to secure Rajapaksa’s return to Sri Lanka and pursue international assistance in connection with investigations into alleged financial misconduct.
The case centres on claims of the unauthorised use of funds allocated to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The allegations have prompted action by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has been conducting inquiries into the matter.
In an earlier ruling, Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena instructed the CID’s Illegal Assets Investigation Unit to take the necessary steps to arrest Rajapaksa and bring him before the court in connection with the alleged misappropriation.
The Magistrate also directed investigators to initiate the required procedures for obtaining an Interpol Red Notice, which could assist authorities in locating and seeking the provisional arrest of a wanted individual overseas, subject to applicable legal requirements.
The directions followed submissions made by the CID outlining the circumstances of the case and the action sought by investigators.
With the relevant files now before the Attorney General’s Department, the next stage will involve consideration of the evidence and the legal measures that may be pursued. Any further steps, including international cooperation to facilitate Rajapaksa’s return, will depend on the applicable legal procedures and decisions by the relevant authorities.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and any determination of criminal liability would ultimately be a matter for the courts.
