With uncertainty surrounding the return of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) founder Basil Rajapaksa for a court case, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (18) urged the former Finance Minister to “come and face the law.”
Speaking in Parliament, the President emphasized that there is no reason to fear the legal process if one is innocent. “Don’t be afraid to face the law. If you are clean, come and prove your innocence,” he said.
Rajapaksa, currently residing in the United States, is scheduled to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on Friday, November 21, over allegations of illegally acquiring land using Rs. 50 million in unlawfully obtained funds.
Coincidentally, the hearing falls on the same day as an anti-government rally in Nugegoda organized by opposition parties led by the SLPP, which Basil founded. Rajapaksa has been a key figure in initiating such party activities.
However, it remains unclear whether he will return to Sri Lanka in time for the hearing or the rally. SLPP sources confirmed that Rajapaksa has not yet communicated his ability to return.
His legal team informed the court in May that he is receiving treatment in the United States for spinal and nerve complications following a fall. They noted that his doctor advised against air travel for six months, further casting doubt on his attendance.
Basil Rajapaksa has previously faced similar accusations of evading court by traveling to the US when wanted by authorities. Police sources have confirmed that if he fails to appear this time, an arrest warrant will be issued on the court’s advice, adding that such action would be unavoidable if he continues to evade legal proceedings.
