News Today: Court Upholds Bribery Conviction of Former Deputy Minister Shantha Premaratne

The Court of Appeal recently upheld a four-year rigorous imprisonment sentence for former Deputy Minister Shantha Premaratne, who was found guilty of accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000 in exchange for a job promise. This sentence, originally handed down by the Colombo High Court, confirms the Court of Appeal’s commitment to tackling corruption among public officials.

The case began when the former Deputy Minister was charged with soliciting and accepting a bribe from a woman, in return for securing employment for her. Following his conviction, Premaratne filed an appeal to overturn the sentence. However, after reviewing the appeal, the Court of Appeal decided to uphold the original ruling, maintaining that the evidence against him was clear and substantial.

The judgment serves as a warning that corruption within public office will not be tolerated, and Sri Lanka’s judicial system is resolute in enforcing transparency and accountability. This landmark case highlights the need for continued vigilance in government sectors and assures the public of stringent action against officials who misuse their power for personal gain.

As public reactions emerge, citizens express hope that this decision will reinforce integrity within government bodies and discourage future cases of corruption. With such rulings, the judiciary reaffirms its commitment to a corruption-free government.