Divi Neguma fund misappropriation case postponed to 15 March

The case filed against former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and three others for allegedly misappropriating Rs. 33 million belonging to the Divi Neguma Department, by distributing roofing sheets among Divi Neguma beneficiaries, was postponed to 15 March by the Colombo High Court yesterday.

During the inquiry held before High Court Judge Sarojini Weerawardana the prosecution read the indictment to the suspects, who pleaded not guilty to the charges. Consequently, the case was postponed to 15 March.

The accused were indicted for actions leading to a monetary loss at the Divi Neguma Department during the previous Presidential Election.

The Attorney General had filed indictments against former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former Secretary to the Economic Development Ministry Dr. Nihal Jayasinghe, former Divi Neguma Department Director General Kithsiri Ranawaka and former Divi Neguma Department Deputy Director General Bandula Tilllekasiri in the Colombo High Court for allegedly distributing roofing sheets valued at Rs. 33 million during the Presidential Election.

The four accused have been charged under the Public Property Act No. 12 of 1982. The Attorney General alleged that the accused had committed this offence on or around 20 October 2014. President’s Counsel Jayantha Weerasinghe, Anil Silva PC and Shavendra Fernando PC appeared for the accused. (TFJ)