The Colombo High Court today (1) sentenced former Civil Aviation Minister Piyankara Jayaratne to seven years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty of corruption-related charges.Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail ruled that the former minister was guilty of the corruption offences brought against him.The case was filed on two charges alleging that, in 2014, funds amounting to Rs. 330,000 belonging to Sri Lankan Catering were used to provide meals to political supporters who participated in a United People’s Freedom Alliance May Day rally in Colombo, causing a loss to the State. The prosecution further alleged that the former minister had influenced the Managing Director of Sri Lankan Catering to facilitate the payment.

The Court found the accused guilty of the corruption charges and initially imposed a 14-year term of rigorous imprisonment on former Minister Piyankara Jayaratne.

The 14-year sentence was imposed as seven years on each charge.However, the Judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently.Here’s an extract of the statement made by High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail:”The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has filed this case against the accused under two charges. While serving as Civil Aviation Minister in 2014, the accused exerted pressure on the Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Catering to make a payment of Rs. 330,000 belonging to the company to a private institution known as ‘Gambada Caterers’ in Marawila. The actions of the accused resulted in a loss to the State. The Court finds that the prosecution has proved these allegations beyond reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the accused is found guilty on the charges. Before sentencing, does the accused wish to make any submissions in mitigation?”

At that stage, President’s Counsel Shavendra Fernando, appearing for the defense, requested the Court to impose a lenient sentence, citing his client’s personal circumstances and health condition.Here’s an extract of the statement made by President’s Counsel Shavendra Fernando:”Your Lordship, my client’s children are living overseas. His wife is also unwell. My client himself is suffering from a serious liver-related illness. Taking all these circumstances into consideration, I respectfully request that a lenient sentence be imposed.”

Thereafter, Counsel appearing for the Bribery Commission informed Court that the accused had been found guilty of corruption offences and urged the Court to impose a sentence that would serve as a strong deterrent to others.Here’s an extract of the statement made by Counsel Appearing for the Bribery Commission:”Your Lordship, this is a corruption-related offence. Public officials entrusted with public funds have a duty to safeguard those funds. However, this accused not only engaged in corrupt conduct but also induced public officials to participate in those actions. Therefore, under Section 70 of the Bribery Act, we request that a sentence of no less than 10 years’ imprisonment together with a fine of Rs. 100,000 be imposed for the offence of corruption.”

Having considered all submissions, the Judge held that the accused was guilty on both counts and imposed two separate seven-year prison terms.Here’s an extract of the statement made by High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail:

“Considering the nature of the offence, the Court is of the view that a sentence must be imposed that will discourage corruption within State institutions. The accused failed to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him as a public representative and as a public official. The Court finds that the accused used the public trust vested in him to advance personal objectives. In order to set an example to public representatives who may commit similar offences, the Court sentences the accused to seven years’ imprisonment on each charge, amounting to a total of fourteen years.”

Former Civil Aviation Minister Piyankara Jayaratne was subsequently taken to Welikada Prison this (1) afternoon following the sentencing order.