Ex-Ministers Ordered to Appear in Every Hearing

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court has scheduled October 10 to hear the case filed under the Public Property Act against former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Nalin Fernando, and former Sports Ministry Secretary, retired Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi.

The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne.

At the hearing, the two former ministers—both of whom are currently serving prison sentences—were produced before the open court by prison officials.

However, retired Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi was not present. His legal counsel submitted a medical report, citing illness as the reason for his absence.

The counsel requested that his client be allowed to appear only after the trial proceedings commence, due to his current health condition.

Similarly, President’s Counsel Sanjay Rajaratnam, appearing for Nalin Fernando, also requested that his client be permitted to appear only after the trial begins.

He argued that media coverage of the proceedings could cause distress and discomfort to the accused’s family and associates.

Judge Thilakaratne emphasized that, according to the Code of Criminal Procedure, all accused must be present in court during trial proceedings, except in exceptional circumstances.

The judge rejected the request made on behalf of Nalin Fernando and ordered that the accused be present at every hearing.

The request made on behalf of Nanda Mallawarachchi was also rejected, with the judge stating that the medical documentation provided was insufficient to confirm the accused’s illness.

The case pertains to allegations that, between September 1 and December 31, 2014, the accused misused Rs. 3.9 million in public funds during the procurement of 14,000 carrom boards and 14,000 draughts boards for sports clubs.

The two former ministers are currently serving 25-year prison sentences in connection with a separate bribery case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.