Handunnetti’s FR against alleged Sugar Fraud fixed for May 6

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by former JVP Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti seeking an order to recover a sum of Rs.15.9 billion from persons responsible for the alleged sugar fraud that took place when importing sugar in 2020 was today fixed for support by Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court fixed the petition to be taken up for support on May 6.The counsel appeared on behalf of the respondents sought further date to support the petition.

The petitioner is seeking an order directing the Attorney General to recover a sum of Rs.15.9 billion from respondents and to credit the concerned amount to the Consolidated Fund.

The petitioner had named former Finance Ministry Secretary S.R. Attygalle, Sri Lanka Standard Institution Chairman Nushad Perera, Pyramid Wilmar (Pvt) Limited, Director of Pyramid Wilmar (Pvt) Limited Sajath Mawzoon, former Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, the Chairman of Consumer Affairs Authority, Major General Shantha Dissanayake and Attorney General as respondents in the petition.

The petitioner is further seeking a Declaration that Fundamental Rights of the Petitioner and the General Public of Sri Lanka guaranteed by Article 12 of the Constitution are infringed by the respondents.

The petitioner maintained that as a result of the corruption a levy amounting to Rs. 15.9 billion was lost to the government and which should have been remitted to the consolidated fund. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)