Former Sri Lankan Minister of Civil Aviation Priyankara Jayaratne has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court after being found guilty in a corruption case involving the alleged misuse of funds belonging to state-owned SriLankan Catering.
The case, filed by Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission, concerned a payment of Rs. 320,000 (Sri Lankan rupees) allegedly made from SriLankan Catering’s funds to a private catering service in Marawila to provide refreshments for supporters participating in the May Day parade in 2014. The payment was reportedly made following a request from Jayaratne, who was serving as the Minister of Civil Aviation at the time.
According to the indictment, Jayaratne allegedly influenced an executive officer of SriLankan Catering to facilitate the payment. The funds were subsequently released from the state-owned enterprise’s account and transferred to a private catering provider for the provision of lunch to his supporters attending the political event.
The Bribery Commission initiated legal proceedings against the former minister, accusing him of corruption and causing financial loss to the government by using the resources of a state-owned enterprise for purposes unrelated to its official operations.
The proceedings were heard before Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail following an extended trial. The court had scheduled November 1 for the delivery of its verdict, culminating in the sentencing of Jayaratne to seven years of rigorous imprisonment.
The case highlights the legal and accountability issues surrounding the use of public funds and state-owned enterprise resources, particularly where individuals holding public office are alleged to have exercised their influence to secure financial benefits for political or personal activities.
SriLankan Catering, as a state-owned enterprise, operates with public-sector accountability obligations. The alleged diversion of its funds to meet expenses associated with a political gathering formed the central issue in the prosecution’s case.
The conviction and prison sentence mark the conclusion of a lengthy legal proceeding concerning the alleged misuse of institutional resources during Jayaratne’s tenure as Aviation Minister. The case also brings renewed attention to the role of anti-corruption authorities in investigating alleged financial misconduct involving public officials and safeguarding state-owned assets.
The development underscores the importance of financial oversight, transparent expenditure practices and accountability in the management of public-sector institutions, particularly when government officials exercise authority or influence over state-owned entities.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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