The Attorney General’s Department on Friday informed Gampaha High Court that it would not be possible to lead evidence in the case filed against Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Thirukumar Nadeen taking into account the evidence given by the first prosecution witness.
Deputy Solicitor General Shanil Kularatneappearing for the Attorney General made these remarks when the controversial Malwana case relating to a 16-acre plot of land at Dompe in Malwana was taken up for trial before Gampaha High Court.
The Deputy Solicitor General submitted to the court that the evidence would not be proceeded with since the first witness of the prosecution has affirmed that he did not make a complaint to the FCID and was unable to recognise the signature placed on the statement.
Two accused Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Thirukumar Nadesen, the spouse of former Deputy Minister Nirupama Rajapaksa were yesterday present before the Court when the case came up before the Gampaha High Court Judge Nimal Ranaweera.
In his evidence, witness number one said;
I admit the fact a house was built in Malwana. I gave information to FCID regarding the construction of the buildings. I did not make any complaint to FCID regarding this case. They recorded a statement in this regard and I admitted the fact that I built it. I have to receive a sum of Rs. 30 million from Muditha Jayakodyin lieu of this construction.
The officials of the FCID said they would intervene to recover the money owed to me.
Meanwhile, the witness told court that the FCID officials obtained his signature to the statement without allowing him to read it. He said he would not accept the signature placed on the statement.
Taking into consideration the facts, Deputy Solicitor General Shanil Kularatne announced that further evidence in connection with the will not proceed. Meanwhile, the defence counsel moved Court that the accused be released from all charges since the prosecution has already concluded its evidence.
The court fixed for May 13 to deliver its order regarding the maintainability of the case.
