Former Chief Minister of the North Central Province, S.M. Ranjith, and his Private Secretary – Shanthi Chandrasena have filed an appeal, challenging the Colombo High Court’s judgment, which convicted them and imposed 16 years of rigorous imprisonment over a case filed by the Bribery Commission.
Ranjith and Mrs. Chandrasena, (who is also the spouse of former Minister S.M. Chandrasena) was sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment on corruption charges.
In addition to the prison sentence, Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige had also fined them Rs. 200,000 each , with an additional prison term imposed in case of default.
Through their appeals, the two appellants stated that they were seeking the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to review and set aside their convictions and the sentences imposed by the Colombo High Court. The two appellants are also seeking an order to acquit and release them from the indictments. In their appeal applications, the appellants alleged that the High Court judge had failed to duly consider several pieces of evidence, including documentary evidence presented before the court.
03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.
The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.
The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.
The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.
Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.
The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.
Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is currently in remand custody, has submitted a written request to prison authorities seeking permission to receive food from his home.
He is currently being held at the “M 2” ward of the Colombo Remand Prison along with around 10 other prisoners, according to reports.
It is also reported that former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is being detained in the same ward.