Courting Rajapaksas

It was a busy time in courts this week for several members of the Rajapaksa family .

Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa was in the Colombo High Court on charges of Money Laundering, while former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with the Avant Garde case.

MP Namal Rajapaksa was also present at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with a travel ban pending against him.

His passport was impounded by Court, as part of the Magisterial inquiry over alleged Money Laundering charges. He was permitted to travel abroad by Colombo Additional Magistrate J. Trotsky, who temporarily lifted the ban till year end, enabling him to participate in a Football tournament organised by the Asian Lawyers’ Association, from March 22-29.

Meanwhile, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was asked to be present at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC), on Thursday, had informed he would not be available on that day.

He has been asked to appear on March 24.