Former Minister S.M. Chandrasena’s arrest by the Bribery Commission has unveiled a series of high-profile controversies involving alleged corruption, abuse of power, and misuse of state resources. The arrest, connected to the distribution of maize seeds during the 2015 presidential election, is just one chapter in a long history of legal and ethical challenges surrounding the Chandrasena family. As investigations continue into the alleged misuse of public funds and illegal land acquisitions, the public is closely watching how the case unfolds and whether it leads to deeper accountability within Sri Lanka’s political system. With numerous accusations stacked against him, this article takes a deeper look at the ongoing scandal and what lies ahead for the former minister and his family.
On Friday (July 04), former Minister S.M. Chandrasena was arrested by the Bribery Commission in connection with a case involving the distribution of maize seeds worth Rs. 25 million during the 2015 presidential election campaign.
This arrest follows the conviction of his brother, S.M. Ranjith, and his private secretary, Shanthi Chandrasena (his wife), on April 2 this year, after they were found guilty of corruption by the Bribery Commission. They were sentenced to 16 years in prison, with rigorous imprisonment, as per the verdict given by the Colombo High Court.
Why Was S.M. Chandrasena Arrested?
S.M. Chandrasena, who served as the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Minister of Special Projects during the time of the alleged offence, was arrested for allegedly influencing officials to distribute subsidized maize seeds imported by the government in 2014. This distribution, according to the Bribery Commission, was done through his political associates with the intent to gain an unfair advantage during the 2015 Presidential Election, causing a loss to the government.
Chandrasena appeared before the Bribery Commission to give a statement regarding the allegations. When asked about the maize distribution, he defended his actions, stating, “The maize was distributed to the farmers, that’s why I came.”
As a result, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered Chandrasena to be remanded until the 18th of July. The Chief Magistrate also instructed prison officials to provide necessary medical treatment while he is in custody.
What Are the Controversies Surrounding Him?
One major controversy involving S.M. Chandrasena is his role in the illegal Aloe Vera cultivation project. The Department of Wildlife Conservation declared the project illegal due to its location on 1,500 acres of land adjacent to the Wilpattu National Park’s trigger zone. Despite the findings, Chandrasena, as the Cabinet Minister for Environment, did not take action, raising concerns among environmentalists in 2020.
His participation in the inauguration of the project sparked criticism on social media, especially given the department’s stance on its illegality. Furthermore, allegations surfaced in Parliament regarding land acquisition in the Nuwara Wewa Reserve in Anuradhapura District by his wife, former Minister Shehan Semasinghe. Protesters claimed that Chandrasena’s family was involved in filling the Nuwara Wewa Reserve, which serves as a vital water source for local farmers.
Previous Legal Issues
In addition to these controversies, S.M. Chandrasena and his family have faced legal action in the past. On April 2, 2023, his brother, S.M. Ranjith, and his wife, Shanthi Chandrasena, were convicted for illegally receiving over Rs. 2.6 million in fuel allowances. They were found guilty by the Bribery Commission. The case stemmed from actions taken while Ranjith was serving as the Chief Minister of the North Central Provincial Council.
The Bribery Commission filed the case, accusing the Chandrasena family of corrupt financial dealings during S.M. Chandrasena’s time in office.
Ministerial Roles and Background
S.M. Chandrasena had a long political career, serving in Parliament for 22 years. His last ministerial position was as the Minister of Lands from 2020 to 2022 under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government. He also served under Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Throughout his career, Chandrasena held various ministerial roles including Minister of Environment and Wildlife Resources (2019-2020), Minister of Plantation Industries (2018), and State Minister of Social Empowerment (2018). He also held the position of Minister of Special Projects (2013-2015) and Deputy Minister of Economic Development.
S.M. Chandrasena was also the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Services and Wildlife (2012-2013) and served as the Minister of Nation Building (2007-2010).
The arrest of S.M. Chandrasena is part of a broader investigation into corruption and misuse of state resources. His involvement in various controversies, such as the Aloe Vera project and the maize seed distribution, has placed his political career under scrutiny. As the Bribery Commission continues its investigation, the public is waiting to see whether further action will be taken against him. The case highlights the need for accountability in Sri Lanka’s political system, especially for public officials accused of corrupt practices.
