Bond Scam: Arjun Aloysius Won’t Give Evidence
Earlier, Gamini Marapana the brother of Thilak Marapana made a submission saying that Aloysius is implicated and as such an accused cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself.Chairman K. T Chirthrasiri reading out the order which laster close to 20 minutes said that the principles of natural justice and others which protect the right of those “implicated” prevail over the need to ascertain the truth.
In a lengthy order the Bond Commission today said that the Commission cannot compel Arjun Aloysius to give evidence, if he is unwilling to do so, although his evidence is required to ascertain the truth.
Earlier, Gamini Marapana the brother of Thilak Marapana made a submission saying that Aloysius is implicated and as such an accused cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself.Chairman K. T Chirthrasiri reading out the order which laster close to 20 minutes said that the principles of natural justice and others which protect the right of those “implicated” prevail over the need to ascertain the truth.
The Commission agreed with Marapana’s submission but went onto list down reasons as to why Aloysius must give evidence.
Among them were his insider dealings, who his friends in “high places were”, his relationship with Ravi Karunanayake, his threatening of witnesses were cited.
However, the Commission said that they cannot force Aloysius to give evidence as he is quite rightly implicated in the scam.
Following the order Marapanan said that his client was not willing to give evidence. Justice Prasanna Jayawardena then told Marapana to re-think the decision and convey the decision to the Commission tomorrow.
Aloysius was present at the Commission today.
