EX-CJ FLAUNTS ‘STATUS’ BEFORE BRIBERY COMM
* Commisssion not impressed
* Determined to continue investigations
Wijayani EDIRISINGHE
The Commision to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption
yesterday stated that the investigations into the bribery allegations
against former Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake will continue
‘irrespective of the position or status of individuals summoned before
the Commission.’
Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake obtained time till April 1, to file
objections into the investigation at the next hearing, after lodging her
protest over the ongoing investigation being taken up by the Bribery
Commission. The objection was made by Dr Shirani Bandaranayake through
her lawyers Nalin Ladduwahetti PC and Sudath Caldera.
She had told the Commssion that ‘she still functioned in the post of
Chief Justice and there was no provision to file a case against her or
investigate her due to the high office held by her.’
When asked about the reaction and opposition of the former CJ, a
spokesman for the Bribery Commission said since there is a complaint
lodged against someone over a bribery charge, the Commission is bound to
investigate the complaint. “As a result we summoned the individual
concerned before the Commission to obtain a statement. In that process,
we are not in a position to take into consideration of the individual’s
position or his/her status. The Commission will always be above such
considerations.
Since Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake asked for a date to file objections ,
we provided this opportunity for her to make submission by extending the
date for the next hearing. “As soon as we receive the submissions we
would decide on the next step . The decision will be made after studying
her submissions “, he said.
If the Commission was not satisfied with her submissions over the
charges we will continue with the investigation as per the legal
provisions. Whether or not she appears before the Commission if the
submissions are not satisfactory we would commence our investigations,”
he said. |
