January 08, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has scheduled the long-pending case involving former Cabinet Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and seven other defendants for trial later this month, with proceedings set to begin on January 27.
The case centres on allegations that more than Rs. 6.1 million belonging to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation was improperly diverted during the latter part of 2014 and early 2015. Prosecutors claim the funds were released on the grounds of assisting families affected by flooding in the Bingiriya and Narammala areas, but were instead channelled towards activities linked to a presidential election campaign.
The matter was taken up before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, who, after hearing submissions from both sides, issued orders to commence the trial on the specified date. The court also directed that summons be served on two witnesses, requiring their presence when the hearing begins.
According to the indictment presented by the Attorney General, the alleged misuse of public funds took place over a one-month period from late December 2014 to late January 2015. Five separate charges have been filed against Mr Yapa, who was serving as Minister of Petroleum Industries at the time, along with his wife and six others, all accused of unlawfully spending state resources under the guise of disaster relief.
