Court Summons Foreign Witnesses in Krrish Case Against Namal

COLOMBO (News 1st); A case filed against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa over the controversial Krrish transaction involving an alleged irregular deal worth Rs. 70 million was today fixed for trial on November 16 by the Colombo High Court.

The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Nadee Aparna Suwandurugoda.

The Judge today ordered that summons be issued to two Indian national witnesses in accordance with the Judicial Service Commission's procedure for serving summons on foreign witnesses.

The Judge further directed that the summons be forwarded in English to the addresses stated in the passports of the two witnesses.

In order to review the progress of serving summons on the foreign-based witnesses, the Judge fixed the case for further mention at 2.30 p.m. on September 22.

Thereafter, November 16 was fixed as the date for the commencement of the trial.

The Attorney General filed indictments before the Colombo High Court on February 5 last year, accusing the defendant of criminal breach of trust by allegedly obtaining Rs. 70 million from India's Krrish company on the pretext of promoting rugby.

Namal Rajapaksa is currently out on bail in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, MP Namal Rajapaksa, who appeared before court today in relation to the ongoing case, has written to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, highlighting what he described as the need for all democratic forces to unite against attempts to undermine the rule of law by extending the tenure of senior court judges.

In the letter, Rajapaksa stated that he believes the government is currently attempting to extend the retirement age of Supreme Court judges without any acceptable or justifiable reason.

He further noted that such a move could have serious implications for the rule of law and appears capable of adversely affecting the country's democratic process.

Rajapaksa also urged the Opposition Leader to convene a discussion involving all political parties that value democratic principles to address what he described as a serious and pressing issue.

His letter further stated that it would be appropriate to invite the leaders of all political parties that have been represented in Parliament, along with other political leaders deemed suitable, to participate in such discussions.