Police detectives told a Mount Lavinia court today it was investigating whether a suspect who posed as a presidential advisor using a fake visiting card and a presidential secretariat sticker was attempting to harm the president.

Dissanayake Karunadasa alias Kanchana Pradeep was produced in court on charges of having obtained Rs.40,000 from the complainant Lakmal Kariyawasam on the pretext of being a presidential advisor.

Police said the address given by the suspect as that of his residence at 2nd Lane, Ratmalana was also false. He had been operating a business enterprise under the name “Y Entertainment” at Schofield Place in Kollupitiya was found to be have been closed some time ago.

They told court that the Toyota Allion car bearing registration number WP-JM 2822 used by the suspect had been obtained on lease. The vehicle was taken into police custody.

Defence Counsel Athula Ranagala told court the only reason for the police to talk of a special investigation was simply because the president’s name was mentioned and to keep a man in remand saying it was to avoid future crimes.

Mr. Ranagala said according to the evidence the complaint had been made in August although the alleged money transaction had taken place in December last year and at that time at nowhere had it been indicated that the suspect had used a visiting card or a bogus identification card.

Considering the submissions Mt. Lavinia Chief magistrate Nirosha Fernando directed that a complete report be submitted to court by September 29.

Courtesy: Daily Mirror Online