November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has postponed the resumption of evidence in the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa until 26 November, after the court was informed that the accused was unable to attend proceedings due to a medical condition affecting his back.
High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga fixed the new date when the case was taken up today (12). The trial concerns allegations that Rajapaksa acquired assets through unlawful means, in violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Appearing on behalf of the accused, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis informed the court that his client was experiencing a back-related health problem and could not be present for the hearing. A medical certificate was submitted to support the explanation.
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, representing the prosecution, told the court that the Attorney General’s Department had anticipated completing the presentation of its evidence during today’s proceedings.
He explained that only three prosecution witnesses remained to be called and that the prosecution intended to summon all three when the trial resumes on the next date.
After considering the submissions made by both sides, Judge Ranatunga adjourned the proceedings until 26 November and directed the remaining witnesses to appear in court on that day.
The case was instituted by the Attorney General, who alleges that Rajapaksa committed an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by spending more than Rs. 730 million to acquire five parcels of land in Dehiwala and Ratmalana.