Former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has agreed to pay a Rs. 25 million fine and withdraw his appeal in connection with a case involving the alleged solicitation of money from a businessman over land in Meethotamulla.
The development came during proceedings before the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka, where counsel appearing for Ranatunga informed court that his client was prepared to withdraw the appeal if time was granted to settle the fine and compensation.
The case stems from a 2015 incident in which Ranatunga was accused of demanding Rs. 64 million from businessman S. Christian Gihan Mendis in exchange for granting approval to develop a land in the Meethotamulla area. It was alleged that Rs. 15 million had been obtained following threats made to the businessman.
In June 2022, the Colombo High Court found Ranatunga guilty and imposed a two-year suspended prison sentence, a Rs. 25 million fine, and ordered him to pay Rs. 1 million as compensation to the affected businessman.
Ranatunga subsequently filed an appeal challenging the conviction, which he has now agreed to withdraw after indicating willingness to pay the fine and compensation. (Newswire)