Police Investigation Launched Into Yoshitha – Rohitha Tea Estate Deal; Legal Notice Issued Denying Allegations
Sri Lanka Police’s Criminal Assets Investigation Division has commenced an investigation into a complaint alleging that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s sons, Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Rohitha Rajapaksa, acquired a 135-acre tea estate through three individuals.
The investigation follows a complaint lodged by the Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste. The organisation’s chairman, Kaamantha Thushara, has been instructed in writing to appear at Police Headquarters in Colombo at 9.00 a.m. on September 14 to provide a statement and submit documentary evidence.
The complaint was filed with the Director of the Criminal Assets Investigation Division on August 20. According to the police letter, the division has decided to investigate the allegations and has summoned the complainant to record a detailed statement and examine the relevant documentary evidence.
A prominent Muslim businessman has, through his lawyers, issued a legal notice to several media institutions, including Independent Television Network (ITN), over allegedly false and defamatory statements made against him, following a complaint lodged by the Purawesi Balaya organisation on August 20.
The letter, issued by Sanath Wijewardane Associates, reportedly states that broadcasting the allegations based on an anonymous letter without proper verification had caused serious damage to the businessman’s reputation and social standing. It also alleges that highlighting his ethnic or religious identity unnecessarily could contribute to social divisions.
The letter further cites Section 122 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, which provides penalties for providing false or misleading information, including imprisonment of up to seven years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 million.
It also argues that publicising claims concerning the property while related legal proceedings are pending could amount to interference with the judicial process.
The lawyers have requested that the relevant content be removed from digital and social media platforms and that corrections be issued. Following the letter, ITN reportedly conducted an inquiry and took steps to correct the relevant report.
SOURCE: THE LEADER
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