Reports have surfaced that the Financial Fraud Prevention Unit of the Police has taken steps to send a summons again to bring Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, forward for investigation.
It is reported that a reminder letter will be sent to Shiranthi Rajapaksa to appear for the investigations within a specified period. According to reports, copies of the letter will be sent to Tangalle residence where Mahinda Rajapaksa is currently living and to his private residence in Nugegoda.
There were reports that Shiranthi Rajapaksa is currently in Singapore and had earlier gone there for medical reasons. As a result, she has to appear in the investigations after her return to Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the new announcement by the police has drawn attention in political circles. Especially if she does not appear for the hearing on the date specified in the summons, further legal action may be taken.
Again summons to appear for trial
The Financial Fraud Crime Prevention Unit is conducting investigations related to the case against Shiranthi Rajapaksa. While she had already been notified to appear for this investigation, it is reported that she was unable to participate in the investigation due to her being in Singapore.
Earlier, Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s lawyer had explained that she had gone to Singapore for eye treatment. Earlier reports said that the medical document was also submitted as the reason for not appearing for the trial. It was also said that a request was made to provide another date in the future.
In this case, the information that has been released that the police has now decided to send another summon letter has gained importance.
In particular, it is reported that this call is being made in connection with appearing in person in the presence of the investigating officers and providing the necessary information. The police expect him to appear on the date mentioned in the summons.
Prior to this, it was also reported that she was given a notice to appear for the hearing on September 24. The announcement was made at the Katunayake airport when she left for Singapore, according to reports.
Meanwhile, as medical reasons have been put forward by Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the next course of action in this matter may depend on the period of her return to the country and her response to the inquiry.
The fact that a trial is held against a person does not make him guilty. Final decisions regarding charges should be made based on available evidence and legal procedures at the end of the investigation. It remains to be seen how official legal proceedings are taken in this regard.
Police alert on travel ban and arrest
If Shiranthi Rajapaksa fails to appear for the hearing on the date specified in the new summons, the police may take action to obtain a foreign travel ban against her.
According to reports, the process of obtaining such an order will be taken through the court. If the travel ban comes into effect, she may be arrested at the airport if she returns to Sri Lanka from abroad, the report quoted the police as saying.
Thus, much attention is being paid in political circles to Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s next move.
However, it should be noted that the final decision regarding travel ban or arrest will be based on legal procedures. The basis of the information that has been released is that the necessary orders can be obtained through the court regarding the failure of the police to appear for the investigation.
Earlier reports said the case was also linked to investigations into financial transactions involving the Cyrilla Savia Foundation. There were also reports that Shiranthi Rajapaksa was going to be questioned about the financial activities related to that organization.
Meanwhile, views related to establishing the rule of law have also been presented from the government side. It is important that investigations and legal proceedings are conducted in accordance with legal procedures without political pressure.
With medical treatment and tests cited as the reason for Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s current stay abroad, information regarding when she will return to Sri Lanka will become important at the next stage.
It also remains to be seen whether she will appear before the Financial Fraud Unit and cooperate with investigations after her return or face other legal proceedings.
All in all, the police’s decision to issue summons to Shiranthi Rajapaksa again marks a new phase in the long-running investigation. The issue is likely to get more heated in the next few days as the police are said to be ready to take action including a travel ban if they do not appear for questioning within the stipulated time.
However, the facts surrounding the allegations are to be clarified through investigations and legal proceedings. It is important that all parties concerned are given an opportunity to present their position under the law and that final decisions are based on evidence.