The Colombo Magistrate's Court today (22) ordered former MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena to file a written statement on December 16 if he has any reasons for not paying income tax amounting to Rs. 36.9 million.
The case was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Oshadha Migara Maharachchi. The Inland Revenue Department has filed the case against Vass Gunawardena for failing to pay personal income tax of Rs. 36,975,959 for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Vass Gunawardena, who is currently out on bail, appeared in court when the case was called.
Attorney-at-Law Jeewantha Jayathilake, appearing on behalf of the former MP, informed the court that his client has filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the proceedings of the Magistrate’s Court. He added that the petition is scheduled to be heard on March 26 next year.
However, Attorney-at-Law Dinesh Perera, representing the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, pointed out that the Supreme Court has not issued any interim order relating to the case, and therefore there was no obstacle to continuing with the proceedings before the Magistrate’s Court.
After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered the case to be taken up again on December 16.
