The prosecution in the Avant Garde bribery case yesterday decided to proceed with the trial in the absentia of the second accused, Avant Garde Chairman Nissanka Yapa Senadhipathi.
On the previous occasion, President’s Counsel Gamini Marapana appearing on behalf of Avant Garde Chairman Senadhipathi, informed court that his client was currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Singapore.
Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara appearing for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed Colombo High Court Judge Shashi Mahendran that the prosecution expects to proceed with the trial in absentia of the second accused.
Following an order issued by the High Court judge, President’s Counsel Marapana who appeared on behalf of Avant Garde Maritime Services Chairman Nissanka Yapa Senadhipathi (the second accused), submitted his client’s medical reports before the court as he is receiving medical treatment in Singapore.
Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Marapana also stated that Retired Army Major General Palitha Fernando, the former Chairman of the Rakna Lanka Security (the first accused), who had been remanded in connection with another case, was produced before the High Court by Prison officials.
The Colombo High Court Judge had previously issued a warrant for the arrest of Senadhipathi and Fernando for failing to appear before the court on a previous occasion.
The CIABOC had filed indictments against Senadhipathi and Fernando for involvement in an act of bribery amounting to Rs.35.5 million regarding the Avant Garde floating armoury operation.
The CIABOC Director General had filed indictments against the two accused on 47 counts under Sections 17, 19, 21 and 25 of the Bribery Commission Act.
The two accused were indicted for the alleged offer of a bribe of Rs. 35.5 million to Maj. Gen. Fernando by Senadhipathi consequent to the Avant-Garde floating armoury operation between 2012 and 2014.
The Colombo High Court Judge ordered the case to be taken up again on the October 22.
from daily news