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New Delhi’s Slovak embassy denies paying Rs 10.85m fine
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The Slovakian embassy in New Delhi has drawn attention to last week’s Sunday Times news item titled “Sinharaja Plunder-Slovak Government Pays biggest ever fine of Rs 10.85 million”.
The Ambassador, in a letter, said, “The fine was paid by the family members of the accused, contacted by the Slovak Embassy operating from New Delhi as a matter of Consular assistance, and was facilitated by the office of the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in Sri Lanka, which is the normal practice in such case, and in no way was the Government of Slovak Republic involved in the Payment of this fine imposed on the individuals who had travelled to Sri Lanka on their own accord at their expense.”
Reporters note: A Slovak embassy representative from New Delhi was present in Court and arrangements to retain Legal assistance and payment of the fine were done by this representative.
In court, the Magistrate asked Mr Thilina Arawwala, Counsel for the accused, who would be paying the fine. Whereupon the Counsel pointed to the Slovak Embassy official, saying she had brought money. As the time was after the bank’s had closed for the day, the fine was paid on the next date, on behalf of accused, while the accused remained on Remand. They were released after the official had banked the fine of Rs.10.85 million.