News Today: Former Civil Aviation Minister found guilty of causing financial loss

In a notable legal development, the Colombo High Court has officially served an indictment on former Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne, charging him with causing financial loss to the government during his ministerial tenure.

The charges are linked to allegations that the former minister authorized the printing of Vesak greeting cards using public funds — an act the prosecution claims lacked official necessity or approval, resulting in a misuse of state resources.

The indictment was formally read before High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne on Monday, marking the commencement of a potentially high-profile trial involving public accountability and political ethics.

Minister Pleads Not Guilty

Appearing before the court under bail conditions, Jayaratne responded to the charges through High Court interpreter Malshi Fernando, pleading not guilty to all allegations.

The Attorney General’s Department alleges that the act of printing the Vesak cards caused a financial loss to the government, and as a public official, Jayaratne failed in his fiduciary duty. The case underscores a broader push by Sri Lanka’s legal system to investigate corruption and irregular spending among former government officials.

Public Sector Scrutiny Intensifies

This indictment adds to a growing list of cases where former political figures are being held accountable for questionable financial decisions made during their terms in office. The case is seen by many as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to transparency, anti-corruption measures, and public financial discipline.

The court will now proceed with pre-trial processes, while public attention turns toward the outcome and its implications for future political accountability in Sri Lanka.