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Gota’s lawyers say it’s his money found in President’s House

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Lawyers representing former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a request from the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (8) to release the sum of Rs. 17.85 million which was found at the President’s House in Colombo by the protestors on 9 July 2022.

Attorney-at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera represented Mr. Rajapaksa.

However, Magistrate Thilina Gamage denied the request stating that it is the responsibility of the court to make an inquiry before making an order regarding the relevant stock of money and that there is a possibility of investigating the money under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as well as the Bribery Act.

The officials of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the court that they recorded a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on February 6 over Rs. 17.85 million which was found at room no: 4 of the President’s House on July 9, 2022.

Mr.  Rohanadeera  said, “In the statement given, the former president said that the amount belonged to him. So far, no other party has come forward to claim the money. Accordingly, if the court is satisfied with the statement he has given, the money is requested to be released to Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.”

The Magistrate said former President Rajapaksa has stated that this amount has been kept to give to the people whose property was damaged during the violent incidents on May 9 last year.

Speaking in the court on behalf of the aggrieved parties, President’s Counsel (PC) Rienzie Arsecularatne informed the court that the relevant sum of money should be investigated under the Bribery Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

“Mr. Rajapaksa has humiliated the court. He asks for money without even visiting the court. The former president tried to get hold of this money by indirect means by contacting Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon. If this money is his, Mr. Rajapaksa should come to the court and make the request,’ he said.

The Magistrate said that the investigation regarding this amount has not been completed yet and therefore, it is not possible to release it even if no other party has come forward claiming the money in question.

Source – Aruna

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China to provide full school uniform requirement for 2025 (Pics)

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The Chinese embassy in Colombo reached another step in providing scholarships for children from low-income families.

Accordingly, scholarships for 100 students at the Badulla Keppitipola Maha Vidiyalaya (National School) was handed over on Nov. 01, with the embassy pledging Rs. 2.5 million for the cause.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that the scholarship programme, which began in 2016, is now active in 20 schools across Sri Lanka.

Noting that China donated 70% of the required school uniform material for Sri Lankan students in 2023, and 80% in 2024, the ambassador said that they hope to provide the full requirement of school uniform materiel for the 2025 academic year.

“In the 2025 academic year, we will donate 100% of the fabric for school uniforms, totaling 11.82 million meters, worth approximately 5.2 billion rupees, which will be shipped to Colombo in three batches before the end of this year,” he said.

 The ambassador added : “In addition, the Chinese government, local governments, and non-governmental organizations have donated schoolbags, stationery, and other learning materials to thousands of students in remote areas, and plan to build 900 smart classrooms in 500 schools across Sri Lanka in the next few years, benefiting over 1 million students.”

Ambassador Qi expressed that China is not only a true friend but also a reliable partner of Sri Lanka, which is moving towards a new era under the strong leadership of current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Embassy staff, Uva Province Education officials as well as students, staff and alumni of the school attended the event.

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Laugfs gas prices also to remain unchanged

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Laugfs Gas PLC announced that the company will not revise domestic LP gas prices for the month of November 2024.

Accordingly, the current prices of Laugfs domestic LP gas cylinders are as follows :
12.5 kg cylinder – Rs. 3,680
05 kg cylinder – Rs. 1,477

Earlier today (Nov. 04)  Litro Gas also said that domestic LP gas prices will remain unchanged for this month.

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Lohan Ratwatte’s wife also remanded

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Shashi Prabha Ratwatte, the wife of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, has been arrested and remanded after appearing before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

She was arrested over the discovery of an unregistered car found at her house in Mirihana.

The Nugegoda Magistrate has ordered her to be held in remand custody until Nov. 07.

Her husband, Lohan Ratwatte, too is currently remanded.

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