Former Finance Minister and current Foreign Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake who was summoned before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the bond issue refused to attend hearings today, citing prior commitments - but said he would attend next week.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister informed the Bond Commission through his Counsel that he was unable to attend due to a Security Council meeting scheduled for today, but would attend next Wednesday, on August 2.

The Presidential Commission appointed to investigate the Bond issue had previously issued summons on the former Finance Minister, who is implicated in the controversy surrounding the issuance of Treasury bonds.

Ravi Karunanayake had informed the Presidential Commission through his lawyers that he was unable to attend due to prior commitments but had promised to inform the Commission on when he would be free to attend.

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry re-issued summons on the former Finance Minister to appear before the Commission today, when Karunanayake through his lawyers informed the Commission he would appear next Wednesday.