The Court of Appeal has overturned the High Court’s acquittal of former MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena, ordering a full retrial in the Rs. 883 million Mihin Lanka bribery case. The dramatic legal reversal follows accusations of procurement violations during his tenure as CEO, reopening one of Sri Lanka’s most high-profile corruption cases.
Court of Appeal Orders Retrial of Sajin Vass Bribery Case Over Rs. 883M Loss
In a major legal turnaround, the Court of Appeal has quashed the Colombo High Court’s previous verdict that acquitted former Member of Parliament Sajin Vass Gunawardena of corruption charges. The Court of Appeal has now ordered a retrial in the case concerning a financial loss of Rs. 883 million allegedly caused to the government during his tenure as CEO of Mihin Lanka.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices Shiran Gunaratne and Amal Ranaraja delivered the ruling after considering a revision application filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
Gunawardena stands accused of causing massive financial losses to the state between June 27, 2007, and May 29, 2008, by purchasing equipment from a private company in direct violation of government procurement procedures.
During the original hearing in the Colombo High Court, the defense team raised preliminary objections, arguing that the indictment filed against Gunawardena was fundamentally flawed. These objections led the High Court to accept the claims and subsequently order his release from all charges.
However, the Court of Appeal has now determined that the High Court’s decision to release Gunawardena was legally invalid and procedurally incorrect.
As a result, the Colombo High Court has been directed to retry the case, effectively reopening one of the most controversial corruption trials involving a former state airline executive and high-profile political figure.
The Court’s decision marks a significant development in Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption efforts, reinforcing the authority of oversight bodies like the Bribery Commission and signaling renewed judicial scrutiny in high-stakes financial misconduct cases.
