Presidential comm. hears Aloysius sought help from witness

By Manopriya Gunesekara 

and Ranjan Katugampola 

The Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Central Bank Bond Issue yesterday instructed the Attorney General’s Department to inquire into allegations that Arjun Aloysius, who is linked to controversial Primary Dealer Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL), attempted to influence a witness over the phone. 

The commission has informed the AG’s department to explore the possibility of taking legal action against Aloysius. 

Giving evidence, Pan Asia Bank Deputy General Manager of the Primary Dealers’ Department Aruna Benedict Dias revealed that he was approached by Aloysius ahead of him being present before the commission. Witness questioning was led by Deputy Solicitor General Milinda Gunathilaka. 

Dias revealed that he had met Aloysius and former Pan Asia Bank Chairman Nimal Perera ahead of being presented before the commission. The commission heard that Aloysius had subsequently attempted to influence Dias by making three phone calls before he came to give evidence to the commission. A record of the phone details received by Dias was also submitted to the commission by Deputy Solicitor General Gunathilaka. 

Following the revelation, Member of the Commission, Judge Prasanna Jayawardana, advised the AG’s department to explore the possibility of taking action against the accused for attempting to influence a witness under criminal provisions.