Former Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, the accused in the case, has accepted three out of 31 points presented by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) during the pre-trial conference held prior to the case being taken up at the High Court.
Accordingly, Mr. Jayakody has admitted that he served at the Lanka Fertiliser Company during the relevant period related to the charges against him and that he was also a member of the company’s procurement committee.
It has been decided that the remaining points presented by CIABOC will be examined during the trial.
High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela ordered the defence to submit documentary evidence to substantiate the facts accepted by the accused. The hearing of evidence in the case is scheduled to begin on June 17, with two prosecution witnesses expected to testify on that date.
CIABOC Assistant Director Asitha Anthony, who is leading the prosecution, informed court that the prosecution would require six to seven days to present its evidence.
Meanwhile, the defence has requested three days to present its evidence.
The CIABOC has indicted the former minister on two charges, alleging that he facilitated a private company to obtain undue financial benefits and caused a loss of over Rs. 8.8 million to the state while serving as procurement manager of the Lanka Fertiliser Company in 2016. He is currently out on bail.
Former President’s Counsel Nalinda Indatissa, along with Attorneys-at-Law Pasindu Gihan Batagoda, Malka Deneththi, and Akalanka Ukwatta, appeared for the accused.
