Seed Scandal: S.M. Chandrasena Sent Back To Remand

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Special Projects, S.M. Chandrasena, has been ordered to remain in remand custody until August 1 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, in connection with a corruption investigation.

The case relates to an incident in 2014, where Rs. 25 million worth of seed were imported by the government to be distributed at concessionary rates to low-income farmers in the Anuradhapura District. 

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed the court that Chandrasena allegedly influenced officials, including the District Secretariat’s Director of Planning, to distribute the seeds through his political allies in 2015, aiming to gain electoral advantage during the presidential election. This act is said to have caused financial losses to the state.

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the Commission requested that the suspect be further remanded.

Appearing on behalf of Chandrasena, Attorney-at-Law Chaminda Athukorala submitted a bail application. 

However, after reviewing the facts, the Chief Magistrate instructed investigators to submit a progress report on the inquiry by the next hearing date and ordered that the suspect remain in custody until August 1.