Former North Central Province Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith and his sister-in-law, Shanthini Chandrasena, who are serving 16-year rigorous prison sentences for corruption, have filed a petition at the Colombo High Court requesting release on bail pending appeal.

The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Sahan Mapa Bandara. President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, appearing for the petitioners, argued that since an appeal has already been filed, they can be granted bail until a final decision is delivered.

The judge scheduled the next hearing for August 25 to verify the claims.

S.M. Ranjith is the brother of former Minister S.M. Chandrasena, while Shanthini Chandrasena is Chandrasena’s wife.

She served as the private secretary to Chief Minister Ranjith during his tenure from 2012 to 2014.

The Bribery Commission filed a case against Shanthini Chandrasena for allegedly obtaining fuel worth Rs. 2,680,528 and Rs. 5,379,623 through vouchers during this period.

Both she and Ranjith have also been charged with influencing provincial councillors to release two additional vehicles, in addition to the Chief Minister’s two official cars and security vehicle. (Newswire)

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Former Parliamentarian S.M. Chandrasena says he will not end his political activities due to his wife and brother being remanded over corruption charges recently.

Speaking to the reporters, Chandrasena said there may be shortcomings when engaging in politics and other activities.

Stating that he respects the Judiciary, which is an independent institution, he said appeals have been filed before the High Court and Court of Appeal against the court ruling, expressing confidence of receiving a fair ruling.

“During a meeting in Kandy, Minister Lal Kantha, who is my neighbour, questioned anyone who has not done any wrongdoing to raise their hands. But not a single person raised their hand. It is common for shortcomings when engaging in political or other activities. Several people in the political field have faced similar incidents. It is not something to be made fun of,” he said. 

His comments come after his brother, the former North-Central Province Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith, and his wife Shanthini Chandrasena, who served as the latter’s former secretary, were sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment for corruption charges. 

On 02 April, the Colombo High Court sentenced S.M. Ranjith and Shanthini Chandrasena each to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment for corruption charges brought by the Bribery Commission.

S.M. Ranjith, while serving as the North Central Province Chief Minister, is accused of making arrangements to allocate fuel for the official vehicle of his private secretary Shanthini Chandrasena, despite her fuel allowance being already added to her salary.

Shanthini, Chandrasena’s wife, served as the private secretary to Ranjith during his tenure as Chief Minister from 2012 to 2014.

The Bribery Commission filed a case against Shanthini Chandrasena for allegedly obtaining fuel worth Rs. 2,680,528 and Rs. 5,379,623 through vouchers during this period.

Both she and Ranjith have also been charged with influencing provincial councilors to release two additional vehicles, in addition to the Chief Minister’s two official cars and security vehicle. (Newswire)

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