Verdict Day Looms in Bribery Case Against Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa

The eagerly awaited decision on the preliminary objections raised by the defense in the case against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa is set to be delivered today. The charges involve the alleged unlawful acquisition of money and assets amounting to Rs. 75 million. The defense contends that the charges lack merit and should not proceed any further.

During the recent hearing before Colombo High Court (CHC) Judge Navaratne Marasinghe, President’s Counsel Shavendra Fernando, representing Weerawansa, informed the court that his client was indisposed and unable to attend. Taking this into consideration, the CHC Judge directed the issuance of a notice requiring Weerawansa's presence today and requested a medical report detailing his health condition.

The case revolves around indictments filed by the Bribery Commission Director General, accusing Weerawansa of the unlawful acquisition of money and assets during his tenure as a Minister in the former Mahinda Rajapaksa regime. The alleged offenses span a six-year period, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2014.

The charges, totaling 39 incidents, are based on monetary and property transactions valued at Rs. 75 million. The Director General contends that Weerawansa committed the offenses through undeclared assets, including 26 monetary transactions, the construction of a house, and the acquisition of lands and vehicles, all in violation of Section 23(a) of the Bribery Act.

The Director General further asserts that these properties are deemed, under the provisions of the Act, to have been acquired through bribery. As the court prepares to deliver its order on the preliminary objection, the outcome of this case holds significant implications for the former minister, with the allegations carrying potential legal consequences if found guilty.

As the court awaits the delivery of its order on the preliminary objections raised in the bribery case against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, the legal landscape surrounding the alleged unlawful acquisition of money and assets by the politician remains uncertain. The recent developments, including Weerawansa's inability to appear in court due to illness and the subsequent request for a medical report, add a layer of complexity to the proceedings.

The case, spanning six years during Weerawansa's tenure as a Minister in the former Mahinda Rajapaksa regime, involves 39 incidents based on monetary and property transactions valued at Rs. 75 million. The defense contends that the charges lack merit, while the Bribery Commission Director General asserts that the former minister unlawfully acquired assets through bribery, in violation of the Bribery Act.

As the court prepares to deliver its decision, the potential ramifications for Wimal Weerawansa loom large. If the preliminary objections are rejected, the case is likely to proceed, opening the door to legal consequences if the allegations are substantiated. The outcome holds significance not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader legal discourse surrounding corruption and bribery allegations within the political sphere. As the verdict day arrives, the legal journey of this high-profile case takes a pivotal turn, leaving observers and stakeholders awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding legal saga.