The Colombo High Court rejected the preliminary objections raised by former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, challenging the maintainability of the case filed against him in connection with the controversial White Van Press Conference during the 2019-Presidential hustings.
High Court Judge Damith Thotawatte decided to proceed with the case after fixing the matter for trial.
The Attorney General filed an indictment against former Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Chairman Rumi Mohammed on fourteen counts, including giving false statements about the personal character of SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Defence Counsel raised objections regarding the maintainability of the case, alleging that the Attorney General has failed to list President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a witness in the case since the name of the President was mentioned in eight counts out of fourteen. The defence further alleged that President Rajapaksa, has not even stated to the police that the information disseminated at the press conference was false.
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.
