Gota's Overseas Travel Bid Stalls Over Filing Issue

COLOMBO (News 1st); It was revealed that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's request to travel overseas, despite being subject to a travel ban in connection with the Easter Sunday investigations, had been rejected due to an issue relating to the date indicated in the motion filed before court.

During proceedings, Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena informed court that the Registrar had rejected the motion filed by Gotabaya Rajapaksa due to a discrepancy relating to the date mentioned in the application.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed court that since Gotabaya Rajapaksa has not yet been named as a suspect in the case, his request to travel overseas for medical treatment would be considered on humanitarian grounds.

Here's a translated extract of the submission made by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris: 

"Your Honour, the motion was filed on behalf of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Attorney-at-Law Sanath Wijewardene. I too received a copy of that motion, and a copy was also received by the Criminal Investigation Department. The request was to travel to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore for medical treatment. The motion indicated that he would undergo treatment and return within approximately 14 days. As of now, we have not named him as a suspect in this case. We still need to record statements from several other individuals. Based on those statements, investigating officers will decide on the next steps. If he requires medical treatment, we will consider that request on humanitarian grounds. If treatment cannot be obtained in Sri Lanka, and as many people seek treatment abroad, he may, if necessary, travel overseas, obtain treatment, and return."