Hicorp case:

Fonseka made third suspect

Kumudu HETTIARACHCHI

General (rtd) Sarath Fonseka was yesterday named the third suspect in the Hicorp fraud case by Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne who ordered Police to produce him before the Fort Magistrate’s Court on June 23.

The Magistrate made Gen (rtd) Sarath Fonseka as the third suspect taking into consideration the submissions made by the Attorney General based on the evidence that transpired in the Hicorp matter.

General (rtd) Fonseka has had chaired all four tender Committees that approved the tender relating to the questionable Hicorp transaction.

Gen (rtd) Sarath Fonseka was the Chairman of the Procurement Committees that considered all four tenders related to the Hicorp fraud. He was officiating in his capacity as the Army Commander.

The CID in its report has said that Fonseka has deliberately allowed State funds to be used fraudulently which is an offense under Section 13, 102, of the Penal Code to be read with Sections 104 and 188.

It is also an offense punishable under the Public Property Act No 12 of 1982. The CID in a motion submitted to Court requesting Fonseka to be made the third suspect in the case.

IP Mohanlal Siriwardena informed Court that action will be taken to indict the suspects soon. The case will be called again on June 23.