Witness cross-examined in Rs. 2.9 b Divi Neguma fund misappropriation case

By T. Farooh Thajudeen

Senior Counsel Gamini Marapona PC defending former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in the Rs. 2,991 million of Divi Neguma funds misappropriation trial further cross-examined for the second day the former Social Development Assistant of the Divi Neguma Department.

The witness Deshapriya Nadeeka Kumudini led by State Counsel Thusith Mudalige testified her evidence based on the official documents that were used in distributing roofing sheets among Divi Neguma beneficiaries during the previous presidential election.

Further cross examination was fixed for 12 December.

The Attorney General had indicted former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Dr. Nihal Jayasinghe, former Director General of Divi Neguma Department Kithsiri Ranawaka and former Deputy Director General of Divi Neguma Department Bandula Tillekasiri in the Colombo High Court for distributing roofing sheets costing Rs. 2,991 million during the January 2015 presidential election which is an offence punishable under the Penal Code and the Public Property Act.

President’s Counsel Gamini Marapana with Jayantha Weerasinghe PC and Navin Marapana appeared for the accused.