Rajitha to be arrested over white van allegations

• AG orders arrest over white van allegations
• Travel ban in place against Dr. Senaratne
• Attempts to obtain anticipatory bail fail

By Chandani Kirinde 

The Attorney General (AG) yesterday directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest former Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, for fabricating information in relation to white van abductions.

The arrest order came hours after the AG directed the CID to obtain a warrant for the UNP MP’s arrest. 

The warrant was issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Nelumdeniya after the CID and the representatives of the AG’s Department made representations before him.

The AG’s directive came a day after the Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage imposed an overseas travel ban on the former Minister, who is facing charges of fabricating information relating to white van abductions in the lead up to the Presidential Election in November. 

Two men who made the allegations at a press conference where Dr. Senaratne too was present are in remand. It is based on their testimony that the UNP MP is facing arrests.

The Minister applied for anticipatory bail on Monday, but the hearing was postponed till 30 December.

Dr. Senaratne is the second Minister from the former Government to be arrested since President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected to office. Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who was arrested last week, was released on bail yesterday.