Former Health Minister falls ill

• Rajitha hospitalised
• Police search multiple properties for MP Senaratne
• Speaker informed of impending arrest

Former Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne yesterday admitted himself to a private hospital in Colombo while the Police were looking to arrest him.

Former Health Minister  Dr. Rajitha Senaratne

Three days after an arrest warrant was issued against him, former Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne had admitted himself to the Cardiology unit of a private hospital in Colombo, informed sources told the Daily FT. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recorded a statement from Dr. Senaratne at the hospital where he is warded last night.

The CID and members of the Special Task Force (STF) searched his Colombo residence yesterday, after his lawyers withdrew a motion against his arrest warrant. The police have been on the lookout for the parliamentarian since Monday, and had searched two other properties looking for him. 

The Daily FT learned that the Police notified the Speaker of the impending arrest of the MP, in accordance with the law.

The Attorney General (AG) directed the CID to obtain a warrant for the UNP MP’s arrest last week, and a warrant was issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Nelumdeniya, after the CID and the representatives of the AG’s Department made representations before him. A foreign travel ban was also imposed on the former Health Minister.

Dr. Senaratne is wanted by the Police regarding his involvement in a press conference where two individuals who were allegedly drivers of 'white vans' addressed the media. The two men who made the allegations at the press conference, where Dr. Senaratne too was present, were arrested and are presently in remand custody. 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.