CBNsat case: CID given two days to probe three TV channels

Sandasen Marasinghe

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) failed to submit the reports before the Colombo Additional Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya after investigating with the help of Rupavahini Corporation the transmission systems of three television channels and one radio channel that were allegedly functioning without valid licences.

This was revealed yesterday when the CBNsat and Sonic Network Technologies case was taken up for hearing. These two companies were sealed by the Colombo Crime Division on June 6.

Senior State Counsel Gihan Kulathunga suggested that if the CBNsat company would take steps to a obtain a licence for their television channel it would be considered favourably and the prosecution would help.

President's Counsel M.L.M. Ameen appearing for the defence said that CBNsat was still off the air but the other channels were functioning although with the same legal background as CBNsat.

So it was unjust to cease their channel while the others were functioning and pleaded Court to let them restart the transmission until the decision was taken, he said. The Judge observed that the possible steps have been taken from the part of the law to prevent the said illegal transmission of the other channels. But it was the CID's delay in the investigation.

The Judge on June 12 ordered the CID to submit its reports of the investigation within two days following investigation of the transmission systems of Sat Net (Pvt) Ltd earlier known as TV Lanka (Pvt)ltd, Electro Tech (Pvt) ltd, Multivision (Pvt) Ltd and LBN Lanka (Pvt) Ltd radio Channel.

SSC Kulathunga stated that the Rupavahini Corporation was seeking security for the investigation and it was responsible for the delay.

President's Counsel Hemantha Warnakulasuriya appearing for the Rupavahini Corporation said it did not seek security but they were waiting for the CID that was investigating the incident to come and accompany them to the said companies. But it was only yesterday at 12.30 p.m. that the CID came to the Rupavahini Corporation seeking the support of expert knowledge. Subsequently they went to two companies for the investigation and requested a week for the investigation.

The Judge observed that it was obvious that the investigation needed time but a week was too much and instructed the CID to submit the reports within two days.

SSC Gihan Kulathunga suggested that if these institutions take steps to obtain licences under the relevant law the Government would consider the matter.

The case was put off for June 19.

Senior State Counsel Gihan Kulathunga, Senior State Counsel Sumana Dharmawardana, Senior Superintendent of Police Ravi Vidyalankara Sub inspector M.R. Dayaratne appeared for the prosecution while Presidents Counsel M.L.M. Ameen, President's Counsel Ikram Mohammed, Ian Fernando, Sadi Wadud, Riyad Ameen and Sajeewa Antony appeared for the defence.