The Fort Magistrate’s Court ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to arrest former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and several others over an alleged misuse of state funds.

The case relates to accusations that Rs. 7.8 million belonging to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was used for campaign activities during the 2014 Uva Provincial Council Election.

The CID informed court that the individuals were named as suspects under the Offences Against Public Property Act following advice from the Attorney General.