12 August, 2008 - Published 14:45 GMT

Transfer of bribery cases protested

Legal professionals in Sri Lanka have protested attempts to transfer certain bribery investigations to Attorney General (AG) Department.

Lawyers representing former Chief Minister (CM) and a minister of Uva Provincial Council filed objections against the attempts by the Bribery Commission to transfer the case to the AG department.

Former CM Samaraweera Weerawanni and provincial minister AM Budhdhadasa are charged with corruption by the Commission.

President's order

Sri Lankan media earlier reported that the Bribery Commission was ordered by President Rajapaksa to transfer certain cases to the Ag department.

The lawyer representing the Commission requested the court to halt the proceedings as the Commission has ceased working on the investigation.

Protesting, the defendants’ lawyers argued that transferring selected cases would undermine the independence of the Bribery Commission.

The Colombo magistrate urged the plaintiff’s lawyer to explain the legal code under which the case was transferred.

The Commission was ordered to explain on 03 December when the case is recalled for hearing.