Colombo Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya today turned down a request by Avant-Garde Security Services Chairman, retired military officer Nissanka Senadhipathi, to leave the country for a business trip.

 

He had requested permission to leave for Nigeria.

 

Senadhipathi's lawyers argued that he-and therefore the country-will lose Rs 3,500 million, if he could not undertake the trip.

 

Criminal Investigations Department argued against Senadhipathi's request on the grounds that it will disrupt ongoing investigations.

 

The magistrate also considered reports by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before taking the decision.