Shirani fights back

By Ishara Ratnakara-2015-02-25

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday expressed willingness to withdraw the case filed against former Chief Justice, Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, for not having disclosed her assets, but the Chief Justice's party did not agree to that.

When the case against the former Chief Justice was taken up for hearing, Dr. Bandaranayake was present in Court.
CIABOC requested a period of two months from the Court to declare their stand point on withdrawing the case filed against the former Chief Justice.

President's Counsel, Nalin Ladduwahetty, who represented former Chief Justice Dr. Bandaranayake in Court, together...

... with a group of lawyers, stated that, he is opposed to withdrawing and winding up the case.
Ladduwahetty, PC, also appealed to the Court to implement the injunction made previously regarding the request to obtain details on the bank accounts being maintained by the former Chief Justice at the National Development Bank (NDB). The Court was also informed by Ladduwahetty, PC that certain officials of this Bank have got together with the officers of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and moved the monies in the bank accounts, without prior knowledge of his client.

Ladduwahetty, PC further pointed out that all persons connected with this issue should be punished and that complaints have been lodged at CIABOC on this matter as well.
Chief Magistrate of Colombo, Gihan Pilapitiya, who considered all facts submitted, ordered that the case be called for hearing on 28 April, to determine whether the relevant case should be heard or whether permission should be granted to withdraw the case.