In an extremely unusual event, the Bribery Commission itself today informed Second Permanent High Court trial-at- Bar that charges relating to a corruption case against two accused including Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage had been amended without its knowledge.
The Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had filed indictments against Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando for allegedly committing a Rs. 53.1 million fraud while importing sports equipment during 2015 – Presidential Election.
Subhashini Siriwardena, Assistant Director-General of Bribery Commission informed court that amendments to the indictment had been brought without the knowledge of three commissioners of the Bribery Commission and its Director General.
On February 1, Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena PC appearing for the Bribery Commission had informed court that prosecution has brought certain amendments to the indictment.
High Court Judge Pradeep Hettiarachchi raised concerns as to why the Bribery Commission remained silent at the time, the amendments were brought before Court. The High Court Judge stated that it is unacceptable to make amendments to the indictment without the knowledge of the prosecution. He further said it could adversely affect for the defence, in the event of bringing amendments without the knowledge of Bribery Commission.
Trial-at-Bar bench comprising High Court Judges Amal Ranaraja, Pradeep Hettiarachchi and Mahen Weeraman directed the Bribery Commission to inform its stance regarding the maintainability of the case on February 25.
The Bribery Commission filed indictments against former Sports Minister, Parliamentarian Mahindananda Aluthgamage, and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando, over a Rs. 53.1 million fraud said to have taken place, when importing sports equipment to the sports clubs including 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draught boards during the previous regime between September 1, 2014 and December 31.
The Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed this case against two accused under section 70 of the Bribery Act on six counts.
