Sri Lanka continues probe on former president despite objections

Rajapaksa’s office said earlier that the former president appeared before the commission to probe serious acts of corruption in response to a letter sent to him by the commission.

A Sri Lankan presidential commission on Friday continued investigations into former President Mahinda Rajapaksa after dismissing objections by his lawyers.

During yesterday’s proceedings, the former president’s legal counsels raised objections to the composition of the commission pointing out that the appointment of High Court judges to the Commission is unconstitutional.

The former president and his campaign team had allegedly used state television to telecast commercials in support of Rajapaksa on credit and failed to repay.

The Secretary of the Commission, Lasil de Silva said that thereby the mandate of the Commission will continue.

Rajapaksa is being questioned by the Commission over the non-payment of dues to the state-owned television Independent Television Network (ITN) for broadcasting advertisements for his 2015 presidential campaign. Subsequently, the Commission made a decision to meet again tomorrow.

Leaving the Commission Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, expressing views to the media said.

Former President Rajapaksa and former minister Rambukwella were present as respondents while minister Premajayantha was present to participate at the on-going public inquiry.

The Commission therefore does not have a legal authority to summon the former President, the lawyer argued further.

During an election, under Sri Lanka’s election laws, candidates are treated equally and, state media is expected to give equal coverage and accept a fixed amount for advertisements promoting any candidate.

The Commission after considering the submissions adjourned sittings for 20 minutes.