Key witness, Anika, leaves country
Death threats from someone close to Karunanayake family:
By Shyam Nuwan Ganewatte and Sarath Dharmasena-October 17, 2017, 10:36
Additional Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda PC yesterday informed the presidential commission of Inquiry probing alleged bond scams that Anika Wijesuriya, a key witness who testified before the Commission, had left the country due to death threats from someone close to former Minister Ravi Karunanayake’s family.
Anika divulged before the commission vital information with regard to former Finance Minister Ravi Karunayake’s family acquiring a penthouse formerly owned by her at the Monarch Residencies at Colombo 03 Kodagoda told the Commission that Wijith Wijesuriya, a close relative of Anika Wijesuriya had complained to the commission of threats. According to the complaint Anil Nettikumara, who called Ravi Karunanayke, Uncle Ravi, was the man who had allegedly threatened Anika.
Kodagoda said the complaint had been made over the phone on October 14.
Deputy Solicitor General Kodagoda requested the commission to order an investigation into the complaint and take steps to provide security to members of Anika’s family.
The Additional Solicitor General told the Commission that laws had been enacted, enabling witness protection and a separate police unit had been established for that purpose.
Kodagoda said Anika had started receiving death threats after giving evidence before the Commission and as a result she had been compelled to leave the country. He said that Anika had returned to Sri Lanka to attend the funeral of one of her friends last month and she had received death threats again.
After Anika had left the country following the funeral, she had asked her brother to complain to the commission of about the death threats.
Kodagoda told the Commission that Nettikumara had committed a serious offence and the complainant had urged the Commission to take legal action against him.
Commission Chairman Justice K. T. Chitrasiri said the Commission would take necessary action.
