Main witness in white van press conference case against Rajitha untraceable

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Colombo High Court yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of the first prosecution witness in the controversial white van press conference case filed against former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, for his failure to appear before court to give evidence.   

When the matter was taken up for trial before High Court Judge Damith Thotawatte, first witness Sarath Kumara was not present and court was informed that the whereabouts of the witness were still unknown.  

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris sought an order calling for a report from a CID team led by a DIG regarding the witness’ whereabouts.  Taking into consideration the fact, the court called for a report regarding the witness’ whereabouts and case was fixed for December 5.  In this case, the indictments had been filed against former Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former SPC Chairman Rumi Mohammed under fourteen counts including giving false statements about the personal character of SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the 2019-Presidential Election.   

The Attorney General had filed indictments consisting of fourteen counts against two accused in connection with organising the white van press conference on November 10, 2019, ahead of the Presidential election. Sakalavalli Arachchige Sarath Kumara and Watareka Gamage Athula Sanjeewa Madanayake who were present at the controversial press conference had been named as the witnesses in the case.