Alleged Hicorp fraud:

Fonseka made third suspect

Sarath MALALASEKERA

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probing the alleged fraud committed by Hicorp (Pvt) Limited told Colombo Fort Magistrate and Additional District Judge Lanka Jayaratne yesterday that CID investigations had revealed about the General Sarath Fonseka’s involvement in the case.

Senior State Counsel Damith Totawatte who appeared with the CID for the prosecution said the CID will make General Fonseka the third suspect in the case.

The other two suspects are Hicorp (Pvt) Limited Director Wellington Dehoedt and General Fonseka’s son-in-law Danuna Tillekeratne.

Senior State Counsel Totawatte said the third suspect General Fonseka will be charged before the Colombo High Court for Criminal Breach of Trust under the Public Property Act. Senior Defence Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetti totally denied the charges made against his client and submitted that he will make his submissions in respect of the submissions made earlier in making his client the third suspect in the case. Remanding the suspect General Fonseka till June 28, the Judge observed according to the submissions made by Senior State Counsel Totawatte and Senior Defence Counsel Ladduwahetti there is a threat to General Fonseka’s life. If General Fonseka, who was the Army Commander, is not safe, under Fiscal custody, he should be sent to the Navy Headquarters under Army and Prison officers’ custody, Judge Jayaratne observed.

Answering the Judge, Senior State Counsel Totawatte said the Attorney General will file plaint against the suspects.

On the last hearing date, the Judge refusing the bail application of the Hicorp Director observed that the suspect had been produced before court under the Public Property Act, unless under exceptional circumstance the court has no power to grant bail for the suspect.

The CID investigating the alleged arms deal by Tillekeratne, filed a further report before Judge Jayaratne and said they have not completed the investigation.

On an application by the CID, the Judge re-issued the warrant in English language for Tillekeratne’s arrest who is evading arrest.

Chief Inspector Mohan Siriwardena of the CID said they are obtaining Interpol assistance for Tillekeratne’s arrest. On the last occasion Chief Inspector Siriwardena and Sergeant Wijesuriya appearing for the CID said the suspect director had forwarded several forged documents to the Army to obtain the contract to his company. The CID will submit a comprehensive report in connection with their investigations to court on the next date.

Senior Defence Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetti with Nilanthi Peiris, Shiraz Noordeen, Nishada Gamage and Sunil Watawala instructed by Paul Ratnayake appeared for General Fonseka. Sarath Siriwardena, Sudharshini Gunaratne and Shiraz Noordeen appeared for the Hicorp Director.

The case will be called again on June 28 at 9 a.m.