The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court will deliver its order on June 2 on whether to summon President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne and Attorney-at-Law Udara Muhandiramge to give evidence in the magisterial inquest into the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Kapila Chandrasena.
Both lawyers appeared in court before Magistrate Pasan Amarasena on Thursday. Their counsel told the bench that, although no summons had been issued, they were present out of respect for the court following media reports. The Magistrate informed both lawyers to appear if formally summoned.
Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya intervened to ask the court to consider whether their testimony was necessary under Section 370(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, stressing that lawyers are bound to protect the confidentiality of advisory matters with their clients. Police officials confirmed that statements had been recorded from both lawyers.
The Colombo Crimes Division told the court that investigations revealed Chandrasena was released on bail on May 5 but a fresh arrest warrant was issued on May 7. On the evening of May 7, a group reportedly visited the residence of former cricketer Aravinda de Silva before proceeding to PC Arsekularatne’s official residence for discussions, the CCD said.
The development supersedes the bench’s earlier May 26 position, when the Magistrate had ruled that since 18 prior witnesses had testified without formal summons, the same procedure should apply to the two lawyers. Both have now appeared voluntarily, leaving the substantive question — whether their advisory communications with Chandrasena are inquiry material — for the June 2 order.
Sources: Ada Derana, Newswire.
