An indictment has been filed in the Colombo High Court against former Economic Development Deputy Minister S. M. Chandrasena over the alleged misuse of government-imported seed maize intended for low-income farmers.
The indictment was filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which alleges that Chandrasena unlawfully influenced public officials in the Anuradhapura District to divert seed maize stocks purchased with public funds from their intended beneficiaries.
According to the charges, the alleged offence took place between January 1 and December 31, 2014. CIABOC claims that 36,000 kilograms of seed maize, imported for distribution to low-income farmers at concessionary prices, were instead distributed among associates of the former minister.
The prosecution further alleges that Chandrasena exerted undue influence over public officials, including the Director of Planning attached to the Anuradhapura District Secretariat, to facilitate the distribution.
CIABOC has filed two charges against the former deputy minister under Section 70 of the Bribery Act in connection with the alleged incident.
The case is expected to proceed before the Colombo High Court.