Court hears that despite explosive allegations involving a fake lease deed and senior political figures, investigators are still awaiting the Attorney General’s instructions, leaving the high profile Dehiwala property controversy unresolved.
The Colombo Fraud Investigation Bureau informed the Mount Magistrate’s Court on February 27 that it has not yet received instructions from the Attorney General regarding the alleged financial fraud involving a property in Dehiwala belonging to the National Workers Institute. According to the further report submitted to court, the investigation file was forwarded to the Attorney General on February 19, 2025 for legal advice, but a response is still pending.
The case centres on claims that a land with a two storied building was leased for thirty six lakh rupees through the preparation of a fraudulent lease deed. Investigators told court that although statements have been recorded and the inquiry has progressed, they must await the Attorney General’s guidance before deciding on the next legal steps. Officials also stated that several additional statements will be obtained as part of the ongoing investigation and that an updated report will be submitted on a future date.
When the matter was previously taken up on September 26, a request made on behalf of the original complainant to arrest the individuals named in the complaint was rejected by Mount Magistrate Pasan Amarasena. The Magistrate ruled that based on the investigations conducted so far by the Colombo Fraud Investigation Bureau, no criminal offence had been established at that stage. President’s Counsel Maitri Gunaratne, appearing for the aggrieved party, had urged the court to determine that a criminal offence had been committed and to order the arrest of the suspects.
Court was informed that Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe, Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal and Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe had given statements to the Fraud Investigation Bureau on August 14, following an order by the former Magistrate of Mount Galkissa. After recording those statements and concluding the preliminary phase of the investigation, the file was referred for the Attorney General’s advice.
Officials further told the court that all statements connected to the alleged fake lease deed have now been recorded. In his statement, Wasantha Samarasinghe reportedly said he acted as lessor based on a decision taken by executive committee officers at the General Assembly of the National Workers Congress Trade Union in 2020.
On August 22, President’s Counsel Maitri Gunaratne argued before court that previous judicial directions to arrest suspects had not been implemented by police. He claimed the police had misled the court by repeatedly stating that the Attorney General’s advice was required before proceeding, despite what he described as clear court orders.
The case remains under judicial review, with investigators awaiting prosecutorial instructions. At its core are allegations of financial fraud, forged documentation and the controversial leasing of valuable Dehiwala property belonging to a national institution. Until the Attorney General issues formal advice, the legal future of those implicated remains uncertain.
