Former Deputy Minister released from eight bribery cases

On Jul 30, 2021

Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika C. Ragala yesterday ordered former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardana to be released from eight cases filed by the Bribery Commission against him during the tenure of the Yahapalanaya Government.

Gunawardana had been charged with committing corruption by allegedly causing losses to the Government in renting vehicles to the Development Lotteries Board (DLB) during his tenure as the DLB Chairman in 2007. Asitha Anthony, Assistant Director General of the Bribery Commission, told the Court that there was a problem in proceeding with the case as the written order of the three Commissioners had not been submitted.

Attorney-at-Law Niroshan Siriwardena, appearing for Sarana Gunawardena, requested Court to release the accused if it is difficult to proceed with the case.

Accordingly, after considering the submissions made by the Bribery Commission and the Counsel for the accused, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered the release of the accused Sarana Gunawardena in eight cases filed by the Bribery Commission.