On May 27th, last year, Shashi Weerawansa was found guilty in the first case, and she was sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 100,000 for obtaining two passports, including a diplomatic passport, by submitting forged documents to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
However, she was released on bail upon filing an appeal in the High Court challenging the judgment of the Magistrate’s Court.
The CID alleged that the accused had submitted a birth certificate with forged names and dates of birth to obtain those passports. However, the defense is expecting to raise objections against the charges under the double jeopardy principle (prosecution of a person twice for the same offense).
Attorney-at-law Buddhika Chandrasekara appeared for the accused.
Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Pieris appeared for the CID.
