The Bribery and Corruption Commission initially filed a case before the Colombo High Court against Sajinda Vass Gunawardena, former CEO of Mihin Lanka, alleging that he caused a financial loss of Rs. 883,000 to the government. The loss reportedly stemmed from awarding a contract for ground operations equipment required by Mihin Lanka to a favored company without calling for competitive tenders.
However, the defense argued that the original case had not been filed with the signatures and formal approval of all three commissioners of the Bribery Commission. Based on this procedural issue, the Commission withdrew the case, and the Colombo High Court acquitted and released Sajinda Vass Gunawardena.
Subsequently, the Bribery Commission re-filed the case—this time with the signatures of all three commissioners. When the case was called again on November 18, 2022, the defense raised a preliminary objection. On March 29, 2023, the Colombo High Court once again acquitted and released Gunawardena.
However, in a recent development, the Court of Appeal has overturned the High Court’s ruling delivered on March 29, 2023. The appellate court has also directed that the Colombo High Court be immediately informed of its decision.
Accordingly, the bribery case against Sajinda Vass Gunawardena is now set to proceed once again before the High Court.
