Senior Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara has stated that legal action will be taken and charges filed against a real estate businessman who allegedly gave false evidence in the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, where the witness, identified as Palitha Gamage, was alleged to have given false and contradictory evidence.
During cross-examination, the Deputy Solicitor General pointed out that the witness had testified before court in a manner completely contrary to the statement he had given to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in 2016.
Deeds relating to a land allegedly purchased by Yoshitha Rajapaksa in the Ratmalana area had subsequently been found in the possession of the witness.
The prosecution emphasized that giving false evidence before court could potentially influence other witnesses in the case.
The judge ordered that Palitha Gamage, who allegedly gave false evidence, be released on bail of Rs. 2 million and strictly warned him to appear before court on every date of the trial.
President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis appeared on behalf of Yoshitha Rajapaksa. Further hearing of the case was postponed until October 2.
