Court warns Sri Lankan not to interfere with X-Files actress

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

A Colombo Court yesterday severely warned a Sri Lankan disabled Army Captain not to make any statements to newspapers in respect of Popular X-files actress Gillian Anderson.

In a case before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, disabled Army Captain Anura Weeraratne Bandara had been charged that he had allegedly misappropriated Rs. 17.8 million from Sri Lankan properties owned by popular actress Gillian Anderson.

When the case came up before Magistrate Kanishka Wijeratne, Counsel Anuja Premaratne appearing on behalf of the aggrieved party alleged that the suspect had given an interview to a Sinhala newspaper implicating that he had a close relationship with the American actress. Premaratne complained to Court that the statement given by the suspect to the newspaper was adversely affecting to the aggrieved party since she is a public figure. Counsel further informed Court that he was in a position to file the relevant newspaper article in Court if it was required.

In replying to the allegations, defence counsel Jayantha Dias Nanayakkara denied the facts that his client had interfered with the aggrieved party.

Having considered both parties submissions, the Magistrate severely warned the suspect not to interfere with the witnesses by giving statements to newspapers or any other manner. The Magistrate further warned that the Court would revoke bail if the suspect is found to be violating the bail conditions.  

Making a complaint with CID, Job Davis a British national complained that the suspect Anura Weeraratne Bandara had been entrusted to administrate the American actress’ properties located at Pasyala area and thereby committed this offence. The complainant further alleged that the suspect had obtained Rs. 17.8 million from another company affiliated to the concerned properties on service requirements.

It further transpired Court that the actress Gillian Anderson bought seven acres of land in Nugadola Watta Pasyala with the objective of inaugurating a Non Government Organisation in Sri Lanka. The land had been bought in the name of Hill House Private Ltd. The suspect Anura Weeraratne Bandara had been appointed as a manager of the property.

The CID maintained that the suspect had obtained Rs. 6.8 million for the purpose of supplying electricity to the property and thereby misappropriated one million rupees. Further magisterial inquiry into the incident postponed for 27 June.