P’ment told legal action on Perpetual Treasuries depends on CID investigation, Commission of Inquiry

The Minister of Justice and Buddha Sasana yesterday told Parliament that the decision over whether legal action would be taken against Perpetual Treasuries for alleged irregularities involving the purchase of Treasury bonds could only be made on the basis of the findings of the investigations carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as well as the evidence and recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry.

Minister Rajapakshe, in response to a question raised by UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage, said: “The CID has informed the Attorney General’s Department that is had not conducted an inquiry in 2015 into the issuance of Treasury bonds in 2015. However, based on the instructions given by the Attorney General on 10 January 2017 in respect of a written complaint lodged with the Inspector General of Police on 15 November 2016 regarding the issuance of Treasury bonds by the Central Bank, the CID has commenced an investigation which is now in progress.” (AH)