Dhammika Perera may stage a return at SEC after recent acquittal

Colombo High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja delivered the verdict, on account of insufficient evidence to prove that the accused are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Deputy Director General Dhammika Perera may come back to the old haunt, after his Wednesday's acquittal by the Colombo High Court in a case of alleged misappropriation of state funds while in office.

Along with Mr. Perera, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, who was the SEC chairman at the time, and ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ organisation Sports Director Ronnie Ibrahim were acquitted by the Colombo High Court and released.

Seven years ago, the Financial Crimes Investigation Division filed a case against them for misappropriating Rs. 5 million belonging to the SEC by using the funds for the activities of the ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ organisation, headed by Namal Rajapaksa, MP and elder son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Dr. Godahewa, Mr. Perera, and Mr. Ibrahim were acquitted after a lengthy trial, based on insufficient evidence after the defence made a Section 200 application of the Criminal Procedure Court, saying that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused.

Colombo High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja delivered the verdict, on account of insufficient evidence to prove that the accused are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Since he (Mr. Perera) is exonerated, he has every right to return to his former seat to resume working,” an industry source said.

However, a domestic disciplinary inquiry against Mr. Perera is currently being conducted by the SEC pertaining to mishandling investigations that happened during the infamous 2011- ‘13 mafia era where stockbrokers and investors were front-running stocks.