May 19, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been ordered to remain in remand custody until May 26 following his appearance before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court earlier today (19).
The decision was delivered by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali in connection with serious allegations concerning a mismanaged fertiliser import that reportedly caused significant financial and environmental damage.
Aluthgamage is accused of being directly involved in the procurement of a consignment of organic fertiliser that was found to be contaminated with hazardous bacteria and pathogens. The shipment, intended to support the country’s controversial transition to fully organic farming during his tenure, has now been linked to a financial loss exceeding Rs. 13 million to the state.
