Former minister S.M. Chandrasena, who was arrested by the Bribery Commission earlier today on corruption charges, has been remanded until 18 July.
He was remanded after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s court today.
Former minister S.M. Chandrasena was arrested after having recorded a statement with the Bribery Commission this morning.
According to the Bribery Commission, he was arrested in connection with causing a loss to the government by distributing maize seeds to his political associates to gain an advantage in the 2015 Presidential Election.
Issuing a statement, the Bribery Commission stated that the former minister is accused of having distributed maize seeds that had been imported in 2014, at a cost of Rs. 25 million, to be provided at a concessional price to poor and needy farmers in the Anuradhapura District.
Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena is accused of having intimidated officials at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat, including its Planning Director, to distribute the maize seeds to his political associates. (Newswire)