'Siriliya' Investigation: Probe into Bus Transfer Revived, Lalith Weeratunga to be Questioned

Colombo – The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is set to record a statement from Lalith Weeratunga, the former presidential secretary during the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration, as part of a reopened investigation into a bus allegedly diverted to the Carlton Preschool. Sunday Times reports.

According to reports, the probe centers on allegations that a bus, imported on a duty-free basis for the Sports Ministry, was improperly handed over to the preschool. The CID’s Financial Crimes Investigation Unit has reportedly uncovered fresh evidence prompting the renewal of the investigation, which had previously been laid aside. A former additional secretary of the Presidential Secretariat is also expected to be questioned.

This specific inquiry is part of the broader CID investigation into the ‘Siriliya’ project. Previously, the CID had made submissions to the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court regarding seven alleged irregularities related to the Siriliya account. At the time, the court ordered the CID to obtain the Attorney General’s advice.

Subsequently, the Additional Solicitor General informed the CID that there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges in six of the seven cases, which led to the investigation being stalled.

However, with new evidence emerging specifically concerning the bus transfer—a move the CID reportedly believes caused a financial loss to the state—investigators have made new submissions to the court. Following this, the CID has been instructed to summon and question Mr. Weeratunga and the former additional secretary regarding the vehicle's handover.(NewsCenter)