News

Ex-chief minister SM Ranjith files appeal against prison sentence

Published

1 month ago

April 3, 2025

editor

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.

Related News :

2 including ex-Chief Minister sentenced to 16-years RI

News

Mahindananda files anticipatory bail petition over bribery case

Published

51 minutes ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed a petition before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14), seeking anticipatory bail against his possible arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The application has been filed over his possible arrest over the importation of a shipment of substandard organic fertilizer during the tenure of the previous government.

Following the submission of the petition, Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued a notice to the Bribery Commission, directing it to present its position regarding the matter to the court on May 19.

News

Youth Affairs Ministry denies links to NYSCO courses

Published

53 minutes ago

May 14, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has issued an official statement over the ministry’s name being used by courses and programmes of the National Youth Services Cooperative (NYSCO).

The ministry states that NYSCO has been unauthorizedly using its name and the official state emblem to promote their courses and while using them in the relevant certificates as well.

The ministry says that they have also appointed a separate committee to investigate the issue, on the directives of the COPE committee.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs further reiterated that it is not affiliated with any of the courses or programmes offered by NYSCO.

The full statement issued in this regard, is as follows :

තරුණ_කටයුතු_සහ_ක්_රීඩා_අමාත්_යාංශය Download

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Divisional Secretariats to disburse financial assistance for Kotmale bus accident victims

Published

1 hour ago

May 14, 2025

editor

On the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, the funds allocated from the President’s Fund for those who lost their lives in the recent bus accident in the Garandi Ella area, Kotmale have now been forwarded to the relevant Divisional Secretariats.

Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 1 million will be provided for each individual who lost their life in the accident, and the funds will be handed over to their respective family members.

These funds have been released to the Divisional Secretariats of the following areas -Tissamaharama, Lunugamvehera, Welimada, Haldummulla, Ella, Kundasale, Bamunakotuwa, Paduwasnuwara West, Polpithigama, Wanathawilluwa, Chilaw, Buttala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kanthale and Rambewa where the 22 individuals who lost their lives in the accident were residents.

(President’s Media Division)