The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered the conclusion of proceedings regarding a corruption complaint filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Minister S.M. Chandrasena.
When the case was called before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, officials from the Bribery Commission and counsel for the defense informed the court that indictments have already been filed against the former minister in the Colombo High Court, where the trial has been scheduled.
Considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate ruled to terminate the proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court level, given that formal charges are now proceeding before the High Court.
The Bribery Commission initiated the case alleging that Chandrasena committed corruption by illegally distributing maize seeds—purchased using Rs. 25 million in public funds intended for farmers—among his political supporters to gain an unfair advantage during a previous presidential election.
