Chairman of Avant Garde Maritime Security Nissanka Senadhipathy had posted a statement on his Facebook page stating that he would be returning to the country no sooner his medical treatment is completed and that he would surrender to the courts.
The FB statement further states;
I, Nissanka Senadhipathi, have shaped my life in line with the training I received as a soldier in the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment and my life’s motto is that of the Commando Regiment, “Nothing Impossible.”
Following a surgery I had to undergo about three and a half years ago, I have had to receive medical treatment in Singapore and Germany from time to time according to the recommendations made by specialist doctors in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, I had to travel overseas about three days ago for medical treatment and I did so after informing the Sri Lankan courts. I would like to inform the people of Sri Lanka that I have never tried to avoid or ignore the law of the country or try to manipulate it in any manner. I have not done so and have no intention of doing so in the future.
Business carried out with the government
I have engaged in a joint venture with the government and have brought a large amount of foreign exchange to the country. Accordingly, I have paid 40% of the earnings (approximately Rs. 4,000 million) to the respective government in office. I have never used monies from Sri Lankan tax payers for any of my business en-devours. My businesses have solely been dependent on foreign earnings.
Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited has already informed courts in writing that the weapons on board the Avant Garde vessel were purchased by Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited from the government’s central armoury (receipts issued by the central Armoury to Rakna Arakshaka Lanka for the weapons purchased have also been filed before court). Also, the second Secretary of Defense of the Yahapalana government, Karunasena Hettiarachchi had granted official permission to transport these weapons on board the vessel from the Red Sea to the Galle Port. However, all these truths have been cast aside by some sinister element and attempts are now being made to arrest me claiming these weapons as well as the business were illegal.
I, Nissanka Senadhipathi, have always conducted all matters in a manner that would not bring any dishonor to my name. I will continue to carry out my actions in line with this discipline. While I’m in Singapore, I learnt through social media as well as through my friends in Sri Lanka that the Attorney General has directed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrest me.
When I heard about the order to arrest me, I decided to arrive in Sri Lanka and surrender to court as soon as my medical treatment is completed.
Mahendran swindled the public’s tax money
Unlike those who have defrauded the country of billions of rupees and evaded arrest by hiding in a foreign country like Arjuna Mahendran, I will never opt to seek asylum in a foreign country since I have not committed a crime to do so.
I continue to believe in the court of law. I have documentary evidence to prove that the 816 weapons that were on board the vessel were purchased by Rakna Arakshaka Lanka from the central armoury, the legal manner in which Rakna Arakshaka Lanka handed over the weapons to the Avant Garde vessel to be used for maritime security, the usage of those weapons in maritime security work, the profits shared with the government from the business and how the weapons on government approval was being transported to the Galle Port to be handed back to the state.
War heroes and war veterans, my brothers and sisters, please join with me in this battle that I’m carry out to safeguard the future of your children. You are my strength!
Police Commission Secretary seeks bail!
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Police Commission Saman Dissanayake had filed for anticipatory bail on the grounds that he is to be arrested in connection with the Avant Garde incident. Accordingly, the Colombo Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake had issued summons to the CID yesterday (08) to appear before courts on July 15th.
In connection to the floating armoury and the 813 automatic weapons and 200,945 ammunition found on board the ‘Indi Avant Garde’ vessel, Dissanayake claims that he is to be arrested and sought anticipatory bail through his lawyers.
Former Chairman arrested
However, the CID had arrested the Rakna Lanka former Chairman Victor Samaraweera yesterday (08).
The Chairman had surrendered to the CID and was later arrested.
(Mirror)