The Colombo High Court has rejected the preliminary objections raised by former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa and two other defendants seeking the dismissal of a corruption case filed against them by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Colombo High Court Judge Ravindra Premaratne accordingly ordered that the case proceed under the existing indictments.
The case relates to allegations that the defendants used their official influence to obtain Rs. 8.85 million in compensation for property damaged during the unrest on May 9, 2022, despite the compensation claim having been officially rejected.
According to the indictments, a building and other property allegedly constructed without authorisation on land belonging to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority in Sevanagala were damaged during the unrest.
CIABOC alleges that although the compensation claim had initially been rejected, the defendants exerted pressure on certain government officials attached to the Office for Reparations to secure the payment.
The three defendants, including former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, have been indicted on charges of corruption and aiding and abetting the commission of the alleged offence.
With the preliminary objections dismissed, the case will proceed before the Colombo High Court under the existing charges. (Newswire)
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