by Chitra Weerarathne

The Attorney General yesterday withdrew the indictment against Basil Rajapaksa, the former Minister of Divineguma, Economic Development and the Director General of Divineguma, Kirthi Ranawaka.

The state informed the High Court of Colombo that there was a technical defect in the charge sheet and it hoped to file a fresh indictment shortly.

Permission was sought to withdraw the indictment.

The High Court allowed the withdrawal and discharged the two accused who were accused of having spent Rs. 29 million from the Divineguma funds to print five million almanacs in the run up to the last Presidential poll held on January 8, 2015.

The High Court removed the overseas travel ban imposed on the two accused persons.

President’s Counsel, Jayantha Weerasinghe appeared with President’s Counsel Anil Silva for the accused persons.

The Bench comprised Colombo High Court Judge, Mrs. Padmini N. Ranawaka Goonetillake.

Courtesy:The Island