Basil's hour of reckoning

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the Financial Criminal Investigations Division of the Sri Lanka Police(FCID), is now admitted to Ward No. 15 of the Merchants' Ward of the Colombo National Hospital. He is remanded till May 5.

Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the Financial Criminal Investigations Division of the Sri Lanka Police(FCID), is now admitted to Ward No. 15 of the Merchants' Ward of the Colombo National Hospital. He is remanded till May 5.

Basil Rajapaksa is not alone, former Secretary to the now defunct Ministry of Economic Development, Nihal Jayathilake, Former Divi Neguma Department Director, General R.R.K. Ranawaka and Additional Director General of the Department of Divi Neguma Development, Bandula Thilakasiri were also arrested following the questioning over misappropriation of funds. Rajapaksa is under heavy guard by prison authorities in the Merchants' Ward. Many of his sympathisers have flocked to the hospital for a glimpse of the man.

Basil Rajapaksa was arrested last week on his return from the US.According to Police, the question of bailing him out is at the discretion of the Magistrate.

Rajapaka is remanded under offenses violating the 'Public Property Act'. What will happen in the future will surface only after May 5.

Investigation

Investigations were based on complaints made on the alleged misuse of 'Divi Neguma' funds, money that was meant to make the lives of people who live below the poverty line better, have allegedly been misappropriated. So far four more suspects have also been taken into custody. According to his lawyers, MP Basil Rajapaksa arrived at the FCID to make a statement at around 11am on April 22. According to sources who were present at the FCID on April 22, Rajapaksa arrived with two junior lawyers of attorney-at-law, Udaya Rohan de Silva.

Why did he come

Basil Rajapaksa arrived at the FCID two days prior to the due date. He was issued notice under Section 124 of the Criminal Procedure Code on March 26 by the Kaduwela Magistrate, Dhammika Hemapala to appear before the FCID on April 24 to record a statement. Why did he come a few days before the due date is the question being asked by many." Was it true that he was assured that he will not be arrested?" is what some members of the public say.

Rajapaksa has been questioned from 11 am till around 5.30pm that evening, following which he and his lawyers were informed of his arrest. In his brief encounter with the media, opposite the Kaduwela Magistrates Courts, later that night Basil Rajapaksa has reportedly said that he is not guilty of any of the charges.

It was reported that Rajapaksa's lawyers requested bail, on the grounds that Rajapaksa was receiving medical treatment. Police Spokesman, ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said that under the Public Property Act, the decision as to whether the offence is bailable or non-bailable is at the discretion of the Magistrate.

The Police spokesman said the former Director General of the Divineguma Department, R.R.K.Ranawaka in his statement to the FCID had said that the former Minister ordered him to spend some amount of the Divi Neguma funds on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's election campaign. Ranawaka was also questioned and arrested over misappropriation of Rs. 63 million and other shady transactions he is alleged to be involved in.

Rajapaksa arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport on April 21 and was warmly welcomed by his supporters, lead by Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and Western Provincial Councillor, Nimal Lansa. From the BIA, had gone to stay with his brother, Speaker, Chamal Rajapaksa after attending a few public meetings, according to his close associates.

Protest

The next day, April 22 was the D-day,when he arrived at the FCID. A protest was carried out by a group of people opposite the Kaduwela Magistrate Court as well. This group, though not as large as the one at the BIA , came to the Kaduwela Magistrate Courts and created a huge din against Rajapaksa's arrest. however, the noise fizzled out once he was taken to the Welikada prison and then transferred to the prison hospital. It was reported that Basil's lawyers requested him to be transferred to the Colombo National Hospital on the grounds that he was receiving medical treatment.

The other two Rajapaksa brothers, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Basil late last week. Going on record in the media, Mahinda Rajapaksa, said "Basil arrived to Sri Lanka despite him(Basil) being warned by him(Mahinda Rajapaksa)".

Mahinda Rajapaksa said this during a public meeting held in Matale last week. He accused two politicians of deceiving his brother - one being a steering member in bringing the current government to power who is also a minister now and the other a confidante of Rajapaksas who was a former minister and one of the main organisers behind many protests in and around Colombo against the on- going investigations on bribery and corruption.

Basil Rajapaksa's fate will only come to light after May 5. New leads will surface following the court investigations on the misuse of Divi Neguma funds.

The public is of the view that a fair and just investigation should be carried out and the culprits should be brought to book as poor people have been deprived of their legitimate money.