Tense situation outside Bribery Commission as Gota arrives

A tense situation reported due to a protest opposite the Bribery Commission as former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been summoned to give a statement, the police said.

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) organised the demonstration in protest over the decision to summon the former Defence Secretary to the Commission.

Severe traffic congestion has been reported from Thunmulla as Bauddhaloka Mawatha has been blocked due to the protest, Ada Derana reporter said.

However, the Colombo Chief Magistrate on Wednesday (23) issued an order banning protest in front of the Bribery Commission today (24).

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been asked to appear before the Commission over allegations of financial frauds against him.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was also asked to appear before the Commission on April 24. However, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe on Tuesday (21) told the Parliament that the Bribery Commission will not summon the former President instead the officials will visit him and record a statement.

UPDATE: Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns from the Bribery Commission due to his lawyers requesting more time to make a statement as the incident he was called in relation to was an old one.