Mahindananda Aluthgamage appears before court today (19)

Former Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage appeared before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (19) following an arrest warrant issued in connection with the controversial importation of a substandard organic fertilizer shipment from a Chinese company during the previous administration.

Aluthgamage’s appearance comes after his legal counsel submitted a motion requesting the case to be called up today. The court took up the matter as per the motion, and proceedings commenced in the presence of the former minister.

The case pertains to a fertilizer deal that sparked significant public concern due to questions surrounding the quality and safety of the imported product. Investigations revealed discrepancies in the procurement process and raised issues of accountability during Aluthgamage’s tenure as Agriculture Minister.