Conflicting official-attributed reports have emerged over the precise status of Sri Lanka's request for an INTERPOL Blue Notice concerning former minister Basil Rajapaksa.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala was reported as saying that INTERPOL had issued a Blue Notice following a request by Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department.
However, separate reporting citing Sri Lanka Police said the CID had requested a Blue Notice and that INTERPOL had asked Sri Lankan authorities for additional information, with steps being taken to provide the relevant documents.
The differing same-day accounts mean the status should not be presented as independently confirmed by INTERPOL unless Codex's final verification finds a subsequent authoritative INTERPOL or Police clarification.
What is a Blue Notice?
An INTERPOL Blue Notice is used to obtain additional information about a person's identity, location or activities in connection with a criminal investigation.
It is not an international arrest warrant and is not a Red Notice.
Sri Lankan authorities are pursuing Rajapaksa in connection with ongoing legal proceedings including the purchase of a 1.5-acre property at Brown's Hill in Matara using funds alleged to have been unlawfully acquired and allegations concerning Rs.7.8 million belonging to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau used to distribute 12,000 T-shirts during the Uva Provincial Council election period.
Outstanding arrest warrants have been reported in connection with the proceedings.
The allegations against Rajapaksa have not been established as criminal guilt through a final judicial determination.