S’pore queries if charges against Mahendran fall within extradition treaty

• Singapore AG has sought clarification from Lankan counterpart
• Justice Minister says AG will continue to make representation for extradition
• Vows to bring all involved in bond scam before court

The Attorney General (AG) of Singapore has sought a clarification from Sri Lanka’s AG as to whether the charges on which Central Bank former Governor Arjun Mahendran has been indicted fall within the ambit of the extradition treaty between the two countries, Justice Minister Ali Sabry said yesterday.

He told Parliament that the extradition process to get Mahendran to Sri Lanka to face charges in connection with the bond scam are ongoing and the AG will continue to make representations to his Singaporean counterpart.

The Justice Minister disclosed the information in response to a question raised by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella.

Sabry also tabled in Parliament details of the ongoing cases against those who have been indicted to face charges in connection with the bond issue including proceedings in the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Permanent High Court at Bar, proceedings in the MC against former Minister Ravi Karunanayake for committing perjury before the Presidential Commission that inquired into the case as well as against the Directors of Perpetual Treasuries Ltd. for destruction of evidence.

“We will not rest until the last person responsible for this is brought before court,” Sabry said.