Controversial Sil Redi (fabrics used by devotees to observe sill) distribution case filed against former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge and former Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) Director General Anusha Palpita for allegedly misappropriating a sum of Rs. 600 million was today fixed for judgment by Colombo High Court.
Colombo High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga hearing the case informed that the judgment regarding case would be delivered on September 7.
Both prosecution and defence today filed their final written submissions in Court.
At a previous occasion, Colombo High Court concluded recording evidence from both prosecution and defence witnesses.
The Attorney General had filed indictments against former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge and former Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) Director General Anusha Palpita, in connection with a criminal misappropriation of Rs.600 million belonging to the TRC funds during the 2015-Presidential Election campaign.
The Attorney General had filed indictments against the two accused on three counts of committing a criminal misappropriation funds amounting to Rs.600 million at TRC while spending for a ‘Sil Redi’ distribution program in contravention of the Telecommunication Act, No. 25 of 1991 Act during the period of October 30, 2014 to January 5, 2015. The prosecutors alleged that the funds referred to had been remitted to a bank account maintained by Secretary to the President.
At a previous occasion, the Attorney General decided to drop charges which had been filed under Public Property Act against the two accused.
However, the Attorney General informed Colombo High Court that the case against the two accused would be proceed under section 386 of the Penal Code for dishonestly misappropriating a sum of Rs. 600 million.
Former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, former President’s coordinating Secretary (Religious Affairs) Ven. Vatinapaha Somananda Thera are among the persons who had been named as the witnesses.
Deputy Solicitor General Thusith Mudalige appeared for the prosecution.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa with counsel Kanchana Rathwatte and Niroshan Siriwardena appeared for the accused.