News
JVP Leader’s accusations prompt Colombo HC Lawyers’ Association to seek clarification from AG
Focus on CID and FCID probes during yahapalana administration
In the wake of corruption allegations directed at politicians, officials and others, the Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association has written to Attorney General Sanjaya Rajaratnam, PC, seeking specific information as regards investigations undertaken by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The following is the text of the letter addressed to the AG by the Secretary of the association Sarath Ekanayake and its President Laksman Perera: “We are writing to you on behalf of the Membership of the Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association as well as concerned members of the Bar on the matter mentioned above. No elaboration is required since all of us are quite sensible to the present-day situation in the country that public as well as Legal fraternity demand status of the complaints made against politicians, public servants and those who engaged in large scale corruption. We are aware of some of the most outspoken corruption and asset acquisitions of political leaders and public officials whilst holding positions in the government as well as being dealers and money collectors of their superiors.
“Hon sir, the Legal fraternity would not make any allegations against any stakeholders who are responsible for carrying out proper investigations, and maintaining proper and adequate standards of prosecution, without reasonable grounds and substance. However, we are concerned about some of the major allegations made against people named openly in public and further alleged that investigations against the perpetrators are concluded though advice of the Attorney general is pending on those investigations. Specially we are quite concerned of the assertion made by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, member of Parliament and Upul Kumarapperuma Attorney-at- Law on 3rd of May 2022 that they have made complaints since 2015 and over 100 investigations were carried out by FCID, and the extracts of those investigation are pending at the office of the Hon. Attorney General. Our membership would like to make a very respectful request on following matters.
“1. How many investigation files were sent to the Office of the Attorney General for his Advice by FCID since it was established in 2015 and the Attorney General’s reference of the files.
2. Against whom such investigations were carried out by FCID upon complaints received and names of the suspects revealed during investigations.
3. How many advice files/ cases that Hon. Attorney General has delivered his deliberation and advice?
4. How many indictments have been dispatched on those investigations carried out by FCID since 2015 and the case numbers of those indictments?
“We are quite aware of the tremendous service and commitment of officers of the Attorney General’s Department, and we appreciate the work ethics and professionalism of them. We are at your support and assistance should you require any further clarification, and we expect you would respond to our request within a week time, at your convenience.”
The Sri Lanka Navy rescued a fisherman from a local fishing trawler that encountered distress due to adverse weather conditions off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
The rescue operation took place on 17 July 2026, approximately 15 nautical miles off Pothuvil. The operation was launched following information received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo.
In response, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Vijayabahu along with additional craft to conduct a search operation in the designated sea area, where they successfully located the distressed fisherman.
Following the rescue, the individual was brought aboard SLNS Vijayabahu, where naval personnel administered preliminary first aid. He was subsequently brought to the mainland and rushed for further medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Navy, along with the coordination of MRCC Colombo, remains constantly prepared to swiftly respond to the eventualities faced by maritime and fishing communities operating within the island’s Search and Rescue Region (SRR).
The countrywide dengue outbreak has intensified, with the death toll rising to 50, by July 16, as the number of reported infections surpassed 73,000, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The country has recorded 73,455 dengue cases so far this year, with the case fatality rate standing at 0.07 percent, highlighting the severity of the ongoing outbreak.
The Western Province continues to remain the worst affected region, accounting for more than half of the total cases, with 38,700 infections. The Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases in the province with 15,341, followed closely by Colombo with 14,625.
The Southern Province has reported 11,382 cases, while the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces have each recorded more than 6,000 infections.
Dengue cases have shown a sharp increase in recent months, with June recording the highest monthly total of 21,538 cases, while July has already reported 18,076 infections. In comparison, 8,590 cases were reported in May, and 5,651 in April.
Health authorities have identified 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk locations during the 27th epidemiological week. An average of 2,677 new dengue cases are being reported daily, prompting authorities to intensify prevention and mosquito control measures.
The Colombo High Court yesterday (17) resumed hearing the money laundering case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The proceedings were held before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, where evidence was recorded from prosecution witnesses, under the direction of Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara.
President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis, appearing for Yoshitha Rajapaksa, cross-examined the witnesses during the hearing.
After recording evidence, the court ordered that further examination of evidence be postponed until July 24.
The Attorney General has filed indictments, alleging that Yoshitha Rajapaksa committed an offence, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, by purchasing five plots of land in Dehiwala and Ratmalana, valued at more than Rs. 73 million.
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Showers may occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts
Dengue outbreak gallops ahead: Infections surpasses 73,455, leaving 50 dead
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