State Counsels set record straight on their unimpeachable integrity

Counsel for the Attorney General (AG) Dept on Friday (22) hit out at the senior Counsel appearing for former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, when the former were accused of wasting taxpayers' money for moving for an adjournment early this week.

Objecting to a reference made by Mr Mahendran’s lawyer Romesh De Silva P.C., Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Yasantha Godagoda informed the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that P.C. De Silva had made such a reference, on instructions from his client, having received fees to make such an utterance.

On Wednesday (20), following Mr Mahendran testimony, Senior Additional Solicitor General Dappula De Livera PC made a brief adjournment to the proceedings, in order to prepare to cross exam Mr Mahendran.

The team of Counsel also noted that, while they are compelled to respond to the allegation of wasting public funds, they also wish to clear other allegations including that officers of the AG's Dept appearing at this CoI, do so in anticipation of promotions. “We are also mindful of the need to ensure that public funds utilised in the national interests are done so in the best interests of the public,”

The Counsels also informed the CoI that all the officers of the AG's Dept assisting in this case, took a collective decision in early March this year, to refrain from accepting the allowances they are entitled to, due to the additional burden of assisting in the inquiry, as they consider this scam as “one of the largest financial scams, if not the larg- est financial scam, independent Sri Lanka has ever been victim to”.

“We wish to emphasise that our conduct throughout the proceedings of this CoI, and in the conduct of investigations, have been guided by our resolve to assist this CoI to unearth the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and in the national and public interest. It is a time consuming process, which we are engaged in” the senior State Counsel said.

Reiterating, the application for postponement was made to be fully prepared, and not for the purpose of enjoying luxuries at taxpayers' expense, Counsel deplored the comment made by Romesh De Silva P.C., noting he may have been prompted to say what he said on instructions for the fee paid by his client.