The CID today stated that Ceylon News Papers (Pvt) Ltd. has failed to pay the amount of Rs. 290 million after importing the paper and cardboard required for printing newspapers. Filing a case, CID stated before Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura that former Public Security Minister and Chairman of Ceylon News Papers (Pvt) Ltd. Tiran Alles has been identified as a suspect in this regard.
The case was taken up on 29 January.
It is said that Ceylon News Papers (Pvt) Ltd. publishes the Mawbima newspaper and imported this stock of paper for their printing purposes.
The CID had requested the court to impose a travel ban on the suspected former minister, and the court has approved that request.
During the trial, the CID submitted a further investigation report to the court.
However, the Criminal Investigation Department informed the court that since the petition filed by Tiran Alles to prevent his arrest are scheduled to be heard in March 2025, he cannot be arrested until then.
It is also reported that although Mr. Alles was notified to give a statement to the CID, he did not appear due to illness.
In addition, the two company officials, who were currently remanded and released on four personal bails of Rs. 5 million each, appeared before the court.
A travel ban has also been imposed on them.
This case is scheduled to be heard further, and the Criminal Investigation Department is conducting further investigations into the incident.
( From Sinhala language web site. WhatNews.lk)