Mahara Magistrate Kanchana De Silva yesterday (May 05) issued an open warrant for the arrest of former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera and former Kelaniya PS member Milroy Perera.

The duo are evading court in a case involving the sale of government property to private individuals using forged documents.

FCID Officer-in-Charge, Inspector P. Wijethunga further informed the court that attempts to arrest Prasanna Ranaweera and Milroy Perera included searches at their residences and known locations, but both had absconded and their phones were disconnected. He noted that Ranaweera frequently travels to Damana, Ampara, but searches there were also unsuccessful.

The court was also requested to issue orders to around 30 banks where the suspects hold accounts, directing them to provide details on account balances and assets. Similarly, the Department of Motor Traffic was asked to submit reports on all vehicles registered under the suspects’ names.

Accordingly, the Magistrate has directed the relevant banks and the Department of Motor Traffic to provide the CID with the necessary details.

These orders were issued following a request by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the CID, which informed the court that the suspects were evading arrest despite previously issued warrants.

The Magistrate also ordered that 04 other suspects currently in remand custody – former State Minister Mervyn Silva, Former Deputy Chairman of Kelaniya PS – Dr. Jayantha Singhabahu Cabraal, Navin Weerakoon, and Silva’s former Parliamentary Affairs Secretary – Don Sarath Kumara Edirisinghe (aka Singappuru Sarath) – be further remanded until May 19.

Representing the second suspect Mervyn Silva, Maithri Gunaratne P.C. had argued that there was no evidence against his client and requested a summary report of all witness statements from the CID. The Magistrate granted the request and ordered the CID to submit the report.

President’s Counsel Neville Abeyratne, representing suspects Dr. Jayantha Singhabahu Cabraal and Don Sarath Kumara Edirisinghe, informed the court that bail applications had been filed with the High Court.

Attorney Deshal Paul, representing Edirisinghe, requested court permission for his client’s business manager to operate his businesses in his absence. The Magistrate granted the request.

A medical report concerning Mervyn Silva’s health was submitted, stating that he required specialist treatment. He has since been examined at Ragama Teaching Hospital and is receiving treatment. Both the prison hospital and Ragama Hospital raised no objections to further medical examination.

(Source: Aruna)

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged all responsible authorities in Universities and other Higher Educational Institutions to take necessary preemptive action and incorporate a zero-tolerance policy on unlawful ragging.

The BASL said this in a statement issued yesterday (May 05) with regard to the recent suicide by a student at the Sabaragamuwa University connected with an alleged incident of ragging. 

The BASL says they strongly condemn any form of ragging, bullying or violence directed at any student at any educational institution which is not only violative of the law but also in violation of basic human values and conduct.

“The BASL is deeply concerned about the inadequate implementation of the provisions of the ‘Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998’, by law enforcement authorities, against perpetrators of ragging and violence in these Institutions. The BASL is also mindful of the applicability of the provisions of the ‘Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act No. 22 of 1994’ and the relevant provisions of the Penal Code,” the statement notes.

“The BASL is also considering seeking intervention of the Courts of Law to ensure better implementation and enforcement of the applicable law,” the statement added.

The full statement of the BASL is as follows :

Academic activities of 11 students of the Sabaragamuwa University have been suspended over the recent death of a student allegedly due to ragging, police said.

The suspended students include the 04 third year students arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department on Sunday (May 04), reports say.

Meanwhile, 04 more students of the university were handed over to the CID for questioning after surrendering to the Samanalawewa Police, reports add.