Arrest warrant issued for ex minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage in connection with the alleged importation of a substandard shipment of organic fertiliser from a Chinese supplier in 2021.

The arrest warrant was issued by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali after considering a request made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABIC). The court has instructed law enforcement to arrest and produce the former minister before the court.

The case stems from a controversial organic fertiliser deal made during the tenure of the previous government, which drew widespread public criticism and raised serious concerns over the quality and safety of the imported product.

In a preemptive move, Aluthgamage recently filed a petition seeking anticipatory bail in an effort to avoid arrest. The application was filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, citing concerns about his potential arrest by CIABIC over the fertiliser deal.

Following the filing of the petition, the Colombo Chief Magistrate had previously issued notice to the Bribery Commission, directing it to present its stance on the matter in court on May 19.

The case remains under investigation, with further developments expected following the Bribery Commission’s response.