MP Sujeewa Senasinghe submitted an anticipatory bail application to Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura, stating that the CID is preparing to arrest him in connection with the investigations into the V-8 luxury car he allegedly assembled.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa, appearing for Sujeewa Senasinghe, stated that the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit had searched his client’s house in November last year on the basis of a warrant, following a complaint received by the Acting IGP. The police had obtained the search warrant after reporting to the court that they had received information that there were LTTE uniforms and illegal vehicles in Sujeewa Senasinghe’s house.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa stated that when the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit searched the house, a Benz and two Volkswagen cars were in Mr. Sujeewa Senasinghe’s house. The police officers had contacted the Motor Vehicles Department from there to verify the registration of those vehicles during the search.
He added that the police reported to the court on November 7th last year that there was no problem with the cars in his client’s house and that they informed him of their intention to investigate a V-8 luxury car belonging to him. President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa stated that his client willingly handed over the V-8 car to the CID for examination.
Providing further details, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa mentioned that the Criminal Investigation Department, under the court’s jurisdiction, would obtain a court order to detain the vehicle and refer it to the analyst to verify whether the vehicle was assembled.
According to the analyst report on the V-8 type car submitted to the court on November 25th last year, the vehicle had a dent but there were no problems with its engine or body. The former Magistrate questioned the police whether the dent was caused by the vehicle being in an accident, said Mr. Indratissa.
Following the accident, the CID forwarded 37 documents belonging to Sri Ranga to the handwriting examiner to determine whether the signature on the files handed over to Mr. Sujeewa Senasinghe belonged to the original owner. President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa stated that it was confirmed that all the documents required for the transfer of the vehicle contained Sri Ranga’s signature.
Although the investigations seem to be conducted in a malicious manner, with the complaint acknowledging that Mr. Sujeewa Senasinghe has not committed any offence under the Motor Traffic Act, he blames the government for this situation. Mr. Indratissa mentioned that he would not make further comments on the matter.
After considering the facts, the magistrate issued a notice to the CID, instructing them to appear in court on the 28th and to file any objections with the court on that day. A panel of lawyers, including President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa, appeared on behalf of Mr. Sujeewa Senasinghe.
