Documents regarding State Minister’s passports missing – CID
Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis yesterday directed the Criminal Investigations Department to conduct a separate investigation if the documents handed over to the Immigration and Emigration Department to obtain the State Minister Diana Gamage’s passport are missing.
The Magistrate observed that if the original copy of the birth certificate provided by Diana Gamage to the Immigration and Emigration Department is not available, there is no obstacle in continuing the investigation as there are scanned documents.
Attorney-at-law, ASP Chanaka De Silva appearing on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department informed the Magistrate that they cannot make any submission regarding the case until they receive the MLA report from the British High Commission.
The Magistrate inquired “What was revealed through the statement taken from Diana Gamage about her British Citizenship and obtaining a Sri Lankan passport?” The Magistrate also asked whether it had been discovered that she had indeed renounced her British citizenship.
The Magistrate observed that a written notice will be given to the Attorney General informing him to intervene in this case.
The Magistrate further ordered the Criminal Investigations Department to submit copies of all the statements recorded so far in relation to the case, before court on next calling date.
President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsacularatne appearing on behalf of the complainant said that the CID had earlier informed court that investigations had observed that Diana Gamage had committed an offence under the Immigration and Emigration Act. Accordingly, the President’s Counsel requested to issue an order directing the CID to arrest Diana Gamage and produce her before court.
President’s Counsel Shavendra Fernando representing the accused raised objections regarding the request made by the complainant party.
There was a heated exchange between the Diana Gamage’s lawyer and counsel including senior counsel Gunarathne Wanninayake at that time.
The Magistrate advised counsels to behave like lawyers.The CID also added that the accused has not handed over her passport to the Criminal Investigations Department so far. The CID further stated that they will obtain necessary orders in this regard. The Magistrate fixed further inquiries for March 23.