News Today: Legal action seeks relief via writ petition against indictment in carrom board import

Major General (Retired) Nandasiri Mallawarachchi has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking relief against an indictment filed in the Colombo High Court. The case concerns the writ petition against indictment in carrom board import associated with Lanka Sathosa in 2014.

In his petition, the retired officer requested a stay order on the operation of the Attorney General’s decision to indict him. The charges stem from the alleged irregular procurement of a consignment of carrom boards and checker boards during his tenure as the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports.

The indictment, filed by the Attorney General, names three individuals including Major General Mallawarachchi. The allegations involve questionable procurement practices related to the importation of sports goods under the purview of Lanka Sathosa, a state-run retail chain.

The petitioner contends that the indictment is unjust and violates due process, and he has requested the Court of Appeal to issue an interim order to prevent further legal action until the matter is fully reviewed.

Legal sources suggest the case may bring renewed scrutiny to public procurement practices within government institutions, particularly when involving state resources and retail arms such as Lanka Sathosa. The Court of Appeal has yet to issue a determination on the writ petition, and hearings are expected to proceed in the coming weeks.

The case has drawn attention due to the profile of the accused and the nature of the procurement, which involves common recreational items like carrom and checker boards rather than high-value contracts.

Observers note that this case may set a precedent on accountability for administrative decisions made by public officials, especially during previous administrations.