CID Sends Rs. 25 Million Bank Fraud Case to Attorney General; Arrest Warrants Issued for Two Absconding Suspects

Investigations into the alleged Rs. 25 million financial fraud carried out using forged documents at a private bank have reached a decisive new phase. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (15) that the case filed against 28 suspects—including incumbent MP Jagath Manuwarna—has been forwarded to the Attorney General for further legal instructions.

The case was taken up before Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara, where CID officers submitted a comprehensive progress report detailing the full scope of the investigation.

According to revelations made in court, CID investigators conducted an extensive probe into the forged documents used to facilitate the fraud, including scientific verification of their authenticity. Handwriting analysis by the Government Examiner of Questioned Documents has been used to identify individuals suspected of placing forged signatures on the bank’s records.

The complete investigation file, including scientific evidence, is now with the Attorney General to determine whether indictments should be filed before the High Court.

During today’s hearing, most suspects—including MP Manuwarna—were present. However, the 13th and 17th suspects failed to appear. As a result, the Magistrate issued open warrants for their immediate arrest and production before court.