Golden Key suspects further remanded

Sarath MALALASEKERA

Mount Lavinia Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Harsha Sethunga yesterday further remanded the suspects produced before court in connection with the alleged Golden Key Credit Card fraud and remanded them till April 23.

The Judge reserved the order in respect of the bail application of Chairman Lalith Kotalawela for April 23. On the last hearing date the Judge directed the Criminal Investigation Department Officials, who are conducting investigations into the alleged fraud, to obtain a medical report from the Colombo JMO in connection with the health condition of Lalith Kotalawela and produce in court on the next date.

Earlier, Deputy Solicitor General Jayamanne submitted to court that regarding Mrs. Kotalawela, they have informed the Singapore Interpol to obtain assistance. Senior Counsel for the Ceylinco Chairman, President’s Counsel C. R. de Silva moving for bail submitted to court to release his client on bail in order to make arrangements to re-pay the depositors as early as possible.

President’s Counsel de Silva said that his client had to negotiate with several foreigners to obtain money to settle the depositors.

A team of Senior Counsel including President’s Counsel M.L.M. Ameen, President’s Counsel Rienzie Arasecularatne, Upali Gooneratne, Upali Senaratne, Clinton Dabare, U.R. de Silva, Anuja Premaratne, Anura Medagoda, Anil Silva, Nalin Ladduwahetty, Nalin Indatissa appearing for the suspects move court to grant bail for their clients.

Attorney-at-law Ian Fernando, senior counsel for the employees of the Company, submitted to court that due to the Ceylinco Chairman Lalith Kotalawela being in remand custody over 40,000 employees are suffering.

President’s Counsel Nigel Hatch, Ananda Kasthuriarachchi, Neville Abeyratne, Janapriya Fernando, Shanaka Ranasinghe and a team of lawyers appeared for the depositors. The case will be called again on April 23.