Fonseka further remanded

Sarath Malalasekera

Colombo Fort Magistrate and Additional District Judge Lanka Jayaratne yesterday further remanded General Sarath Fonseka till July 12, 2010. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigating the alleged fraud committed by Hicorp (Pvt) Limited earlier told Judge Jayaratne that CID investigations had revealed General Fonseka’s involvement in the case and was made the third suspect.

The other two suspects Hicorp (Pvt) Ltd Director Wellington Dehoedt and General Fonseka’s son-in-law Danuna Tillakaratne were directed to appear in Court on July 30. Senior State Counsel Damith Totawatte who appeared with the CID for the prosecution said the third suspect General Fonseka will be charged before the Colombo High Court for Criminal Breach of Trust under the Public Property Act.

On an application by Senior Defence Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetti, the Judge directed Army personnel to allow General Fonseka’s wife and close relatives to supply food to General Fonseka at the Navy Headquarters where he is detained.

Remanding General Fonseka till July 12, the Judge observed according to the submissions made by Senior State Counsel Damith Totawatte and Senior Defence Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetti there is a threat to General Fonseka’s life.

The Judge also directed Army personnel to provide maximum security to General Fonseka while being taken to Courts and back.

A prison officer also should accompany General Fonseka with Army personnel, the judge added.

Judge Jayaratne called for a report from the CID in connection with allowing telephone calls to General Fonseka’s daughter who are abroad. Hicorp Director’s Senior Counsel Sarath Siriwardena, moving for bail said his client’s daughter is suffering as she was unable to be with her father for the last six months.

The Judge observed that the suspect had been produced before Court under the Public Property Act, unless exceptional circumstance, this Court has no power to grant bail for the suspect. After lengthy submissions by Senior Counsel Siriwardena, the Judge said Court will consider the bail application on the next date.

The CID investigating the alleged arms deal by Tillekeratne filed a further report before Judge Jayaratne and said they have completed the investigation. Earlier on an application by the CID, the Judge reissued the warrant in English language for the arrest of Tillekeratne who is evading arrest. Chief Inspector Mohan Siriwardena of the CID said they are obtaining Interpol assistance for Tillakaratne’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.

CID Director Senior SP Wijeya Amerasinghe was present during the proceedings in Court yesterday. Senior Defence Counsel Ladduwahetti with Nilanthi Peiris, Shiraz Nordeen, Nishada Gamage and Sunil Watawala instructed by Paul Ratnayake appeared for General Fonseka.

Sarath Siriwardena with Sudharshini Gunaratne and Shiraz Noordeen appeared for the Hicorp Director.

The case will be called again on July 12 at 9 a.m.