A Colombo High Court judge made strong remarks during the Ajith Nivard Cabraal case, asserting that the courtroom is not a place for public display. The case, tied to a controversial Rs. 1.8 billion loss from Greek bond investments, has been postponed pending appeals.
Colombo High Court Judge R.S.S. Sapuwidana issued a stern message during open court, stating that “cases are not called for show,” as he adjourned the high-profile corruption case against former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and four others until October 10.
The case, filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, alleges that Cabraal and his co-defendants caused the Sri Lankan government a loss exceeding Rs. 1.8 billion by investing public funds in Greek government bonds in 2012, despite knowing Greece was in an economic crisis.
The pre-trial conference was originally scheduled for June 26. However, the Bribery Commission filed a motion requesting a postponement. Defense lawyers, including Senior Counsel Chaminda Athukorala for Cabraal, informed the court that they had appealed a prior High Court order at the Court of Appeal, which is set to be heard on September 19.
Judge Sapuwidana emphasized that his court respects the authority of higher courts. Therefore, he agreed that it would be inappropriate to proceed with the case until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision. Stressing judicial integrity, the judge firmly stated that the court is not a stage for theatrics and adjourned the case accordingly.
