Gammanpila made the statement while giving evidence in a case in which he is accused of misappropriating company shares valued at Rs. 20 million belonging to Australian businessman Brian Shaddick through an allegedly forged power of attorney.
The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Nadee Aparna Suwandurugoda, where the defence continued presenting its evidence.
During the hearing, Gammanpila, led in evidence by President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, told the court that a business dispute had arisen between him and Brian Shaddick during the course of their commercial dealings.
He further claimed that former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, with whom he had political differences, became aware of the dispute and subsequently filed what he described as a false complaint against him.
While responding to questions before the court, Gammanpila provided detailed explanations regarding the allegations levelled against him.
At one stage, the trial judge advised the accused to ensure that his testimony remained clear, accurate and truthful.
Following the conclusion of the defence evidence, the court fixed July 1 for the next hearing, during which Gammanpila is expected to be cross-examined.
The case relates to allegations that between September 1996 and September 1997, Gammanpila fraudulently sold 21 million shares belonging to a private bank, which had been purchased under Digital Nominees (Pvt) Ltd, a company owned by Australian businessman Brian Shaddick, using an allegedly forged power of attorney and thereby misappropriating Rs. 20 million.
