Swarnamahal Directors’ Anticipatory Bail: Applications for consideration on 27 Jan

By Hansi Nanayakkara 

The anticipatory bail applications filed yesterday by former Directors of Swarnamahal Financial Services, Nalaka, Deepa, Jeewaka and Asanka Edirisinghe – were scheduled to be taken up for consideration on 27 January.

Furthermore, Colombo Chief Magistrate Mohamed Mihal issued notice to the OIC of the Criminal Investigation Department who was named as the respondent of the anticipatory bail applications.

The Court also rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by former Director of Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC Deepa Edrisinghe, citing a typo.

Afterwards the rectified anticipatory bail application was submitted through a motion and upon its acceptance the aforesaid date was fixed for its hearing. 

When the case was called yesterday, the Chief Magistrate announced that he has the jurisdiction to hear the anticipatory bail applications filed by the former directors of Swarnamahal Financial Services to prevent their arrest.

The suspects were arrested on 8 January, however, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court released them seven days later.

The AG had directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct a criminal investigation against the Directors of the ETI Finance and Swarnamahal Jewellers Ltd. over their involvement in operating an unauthorised finance business.

Investigations are being conducted into the unauthorised acceptance of deposits worth Rs 13.7 billion, misappropriation, and money laundering.