Order to Rohitha Abeygunardena’s objections fixed for 23 Feb.

By T. FarookThajudeen

Colombo High Court Judge N. Bandula Karunaratna yesterday reserved its order on the preliminary objections raised by Counsel for Parliamentarian Rohith Abeygunawardena for not providing the details of supposed computer evidence to the defence for inspection. 

The judge reserved his order for 23 February on the objection raised by Counsel Kalinga Indatissa PC, who defended Abeygunawardena during the trial.

Counsel Indatissa, raising the preliminary objection, said that his client had not received a notice under section 7 (1) of the Evidence Ordinance of the Bribery Commission over the listed witnesses of the case.

He said that the listed witnesses of the case were based on computer-generated statements therefore it could be taken into the consideration to lead evidence without allowing the defence to inspect the computer at least 45 days prior to the trial.

Senior State Counsel Sudarsana de Silva, appearing for the prosecution, contended that there were no provisions in the Evidence Ordinance to assert that the defence should be allowed to inspect the computer at least 45 days prior to the case. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption alleged Abeygunawardena had purchased movable and immovable properties worth over Rs. 41 million with money earned through unknown means.