CID to question Lalith Weeratunga over duty-free bus transfer

The CID’s Financial Crimes Investigation Unit, which is probing the matter, will also question a former Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat.

The inquiry forms part of a broader CID investigation into the controversial ‘Siriliya’ project. Previously, the CID had submitted details of seven alleged irregularities related to the Siriliya account to the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court. The court had requested advice from the Attorney General.

Following guidance from Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, the CID was informed that evidence was insufficient to pursue criminal charges in six of the seven cases, and the case folder was temporarily set aside.

However, fresh evidence concerning the duty-free bus has now emerged, prompting the CID to reopen the investigation. Reports indicate that the transfer of the bus caused a financial loss to the state.