The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has today (21) issued arrest warrants for former Minister Douglas Devananda after he failed to appear in court to give evidence in a case involving businessman Subramaniam Manoharan from Wellawatte. The case stems from a complaint Devananda made to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 2016 regarding the issuance of two bad cheques worth Rs. 10 million each.
Devananda, a key figure in Sri Lanka’s Tamil politics, is the leader of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), a party he founded after breaking away from the Tamil militant movement. Known for his strong opposition to the Tamil Tigers (LTTE), Devananda transitioned from militant activism to a mainstream political role, serving as a government minister and representing the northern Jaffna district. His controversial past and leadership in the EPDP have made him both a significant and divisive figure in Sri Lankan politics.
Today’s case has drawn attention not only for the alleged financial dispute but also for Devananda’s failure to appear in court. His lawyer claimed that Devananda was ill but did not provide medical certificates to confirm his condition. As a result, the Magistrate has issued warrants for the former Minister’s arrest and ordered his production in court.
