11 July 2023 06:11 pm Views - 1449
Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis today ordered to release former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne and his private secretary from a corruption case following the Bribery Commission's decision to withdraw the charges.
However, the Chief Magistrate observed that the order of release would not be an impediment for the prosecution to file a fresh case.
The Bribery Commission had filed this corruption case against the two accused for causing an unlawful loss to the government after appointing an individual as a Development Plan Coordinating Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority contrary to the Civil Aviation Act.
The Bribery Commission informed the court it has decided to withdraw the case in accordance with the Anoma Polwatte case decided by the Supreme Court.
The Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed this case against former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne and his private secretary B. Dayawansha under Section 70 of the Bribery Act on five charges.
The Bribery Commission alleged that the former Minister had unlawfully appointed B. Dayawansha as the Development Plan Coordinating Officer from 2011 to 2012, while he was serving as the Civil Aviation Minister.
President's Counsel Shavindra Fernando with U.R. de Silva PC appeared for the accused. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)