The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (21) issued arrest warrants for former minister Douglas Devananda after he failed to appear before the court to testify in an ongoing case.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by Devananda with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 2016, alleging that Subramaniam Manoharan, a businessman from Wellawatta, had given him two fraudulent cheques, each valued at Rs. 10 million. The case has since been under judicial review, with Devananda being a key witness.
Despite being summoned to testify, Devananda did not attend court proceedings. His legal counsel cited illness as the reason for his absence but failed to provide supporting medical documentation.
The magistrate, citing the absence of credible evidence to justify Devananda’s non-appearance, ordered his arrest and subsequent production before the court.
The case has drawn attention due to its high-profile nature, with Devananda, a prominent political figure, facing legal scrutiny in a matter involving significant financial transactions.
