Further trial into a case filed against Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader, MP Udaya Gammanpila for allegedly misappropriating Rs. 20 million following his alleged fraudulent share transaction that had taken place in 2000 was fixed for November 6, by the Colombo High Court.
Australian businessman Brian Shaddick, 74, a key witness in the alleged financial fraud case was cross-examined by defence counsel.
The Attorney General yesterday brought objections to a request made by defence that two defence counsel be seperately allowed to cross-examine the witness.
Deputy Solicitor General Dilan Ratnayake informed High Court Judge R. Gurusinghe that there is no legal provision in the Evidence Ordinance to consider this application. The High Court Judge also observed that the court hearing could be delayed if court allows several counsel to cross-examine the same witness.
Further trial was fixed for November 6. The Attorney General (AG) alleged that MP Udaya Gammanpila has misappropriated Rs. 20 million when selling the shares of Digital Nominees to businessman Dhammika Perera.
The AG further charged that the alleged business transaction had taken place using a fraudulent power of attorney to sell the shares belonging to Australian businessman Brian Shaddick.
The AG has listed 20 persons as witnesses in the case and named 16 documents as production items of the case. MP Gammanpila was arrested in this regard on June 18, 2016. He is currently out on bail.
Deputy Solicitor General Dilan Ratnayake appeared for the Attorney General.
President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando with Jayantha Weerasinghe PC appeared for MP Gammanpila.