Pre-trial conference set in Colombo money laundering case
COLOMBO (Lakbima News): The Colombo High Court has fixed September 28 for the pre-trial conference in the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa and his grandmother, Daisy Forrest. The prosecution alleges more than Rs. 59 million is involved; the matter is being pursued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, according to the charge sheet lodged in court.
Judge Rashmi Singappuli set the date after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.
State Counsel told the court the accused have filed a revision application with the Supreme Court challenging the High Court proceedings. That Supreme Court matter is listed for confirmation on September 4, the court record shows.
The prosecution asked the High Court to defer the pre-trial conference until the Supreme Court rules, saying the Supreme Court decision could affect the High Court proceedings.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Judge Singappuli ordered the pre-trial conference for September 28 to allow time for the Supreme Court to deal with the revision application.
According to the charge sheet, between March 31, 2009 and December 12, 2013, more than Rs. 59 million was deposited into fixed deposit accounts linked to three private bank accounts, funds the prosecution says cannot be satisfactorily explained.
Prosecutors allege those deposits constitute money laundering under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
