Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena further remanded until August 1, 2025

S.M. Chandrasena

Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena has been ordered to remain in remand custody until August 1, 2025, by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

In 2014, a stock of maize seeds worth Rs. 25 million, purchased for distribution to poor farmers in the Anuradhapura District at a subsidized price, was allegedly distributed among associates and supporters of the former minister ahead of the 2015 presidential election, with the intention of gaining an unfair advantage.

This act, carried out in violation of legal procedures, is considered an offense of corruption. As a result, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested and remanded the former minister on suspicion on July 4, 2025.

The Magistrate also directed the Bribery Commission to complete obtaining statements from government officials at the grassroots level before that date.

The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga after considering the submissions made by legal representatives of the CIABOC and the Attorney General’s Department.