Roofing sheet case against Basil Rajapaksa fixed for trial on new charges

By T. Farook Thajudeen

Colombo High Court yesterday fixed the trial to hear on 8, 22 and 28 November and 12 December against former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and two others on alleged financial misappropriation of Divi Naguma funds.

The Attorney General had indicted Basil Rajapaksa and three others on charges of financial misappropriation of Rs. 33 million worth of funds belonging to the Divi Neguma Development Department during the presidential election period.

In addition to filing charges against the former Minister, the Attorney General had also charged former Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayasinghe, Former Divi Neguma Department Director General Kithsiri Ranawaka and Former Divi Neguma Department Deputy Director General Bandula Tillekasiri. They are charged under the Public Property Act No 12 of 1982, for having allegedly misappropriated the money belonging to the Divi Neguma Department while distributing roofing sheets to Divi Neguma beneficiaries, during the previous presidential election. Counsel Shavendra Fernanado PC, Jayantha Weerasinghe PC Anil Silva PC and Senarath Jayasundera defended the accused. Attorney-At-Law Sanath Wijewardena instructed for the defense.