High Court to rule on defence objections in Shasheendra Rajapaksa case on October 8

The Colombo High Court announced that it will deliver its order on October 8 regarding the preliminary objections raised by the defence team representing former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa. The legal challenges were submitted in response to the indictment presented by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

During earlier proceedings, counsel appearing for the former State Minister contended that the indictment had technical and legal shortcomings that should prevent the trial from proceeding in its current form. They argued that the charges brought forth failed to satisfy the requisite statutory provisions governing allegations under the Bribery Act.

State counsel representing the Bribery Commission firmly opposed the preliminary objections, maintaining that the formal charges were framed strictly in accordance with the law and supported by relevant investigative findings. The prosecution urged the court to dismiss the defence objections and move forward with substantive trial proceedings.

After hearing extensive oral arguments and examining written submissions filed by both parties, the presiding High Court Judge determined that the formal ruling on whether to uphold the preliminary objections or proceed with the hearing will be delivered on October 8.