By The Pulseline News Desk
The investigation into former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s Siriliya Saviya Fund is continuing, with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) giving her the additional time she requested before deciding on the next steps in the case, it is learnt.
Shiranthi had been instructed to appear before the FCID on September 24 in connection with the ongoing investigation when she was about to board a flight to Singapore for a medical checku-up. However, a lawyer representing her had subsequently informed the investigators that she was overseas receiving medical treatment and would appear before the FCID after returning to Sri Lanka.
The lawyer’s letter, it is learnt, has requested approximately two weeks to enable the former First Lady to return and appear before investigators.
The FCID has decided to allow the requested period before determining how to proceed with the investigation, according to informed sources.
Investigators are continuing to examine the financial and other transactions connected to the Siriliya Saviya Fund, which operated during the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The latest development comes as investigators move towards concluding the inquiry, with the question of whether Shiranthi will appear before the FCID now depending largely on her return to the country within the additional period granted.
Meanwhile, sources also noted that Shiranthi’s lawyers are also exploring the possibility of seeking anticipatory bail from court on her behalf. An anticipatory bail application, if pursued, would seek protection from arrest in connection with the investigation before any such arrest takes place.
However, no such application has been confirmed as having been filed so far.
The FCID’s decision to allow the additional time means investigators are, for the moment, waiting for Shiranthi to return before deciding whether further questioning or other legal action is necessary.
The investigation has attracted renewed attention amid a wider series of financial crime investigations involving individuals associated with the previous Rajapaksa administrations.
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