The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of former Ministry Secretary Priyantha Mayadunne, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with allegations of criminal breach of trust involving Rs. 183 million. The case pertains to the misuse of cooperative funds during the “Isuru Saviya” event held in Kurunegala in 2011 to mark International Cooperative Day.
According to CID officials, the investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by the former Cooperative Commissioner, who alleged that funds allocated for the event had been misappropriated. The CID revealed that Mayadunne, who served as the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade at the time, was implicated in the misuse of Rs. 183 million from cooperative funds. Specifically, it was alleged that Mayadunne received Rs. 100,000 from the cooperative fund in exchange for arranging transportation services for the event, constituting a criminal breach of trust.
During the investigation, Mayadunne initially failed to disclose to whom the money for transportation services was paid. However, in a subsequent statement, he claimed that the funds were given to a bodyguard of former Minister Johnston Fernando. The CID also noted that the Attorney General, after reviewing the case, had instructed that the matter be referred to the Bribery Commission, as the incident involved an offense under the Bribery Act.
When the case was presented before Colombo Fort Magistrate Ms. Nilupuli Lankapura, the CID requested that Mayadunne be remanded until May 13, as the investigation was still ongoing. However, Mayadunne’s defense lawyers argued that he was a respected senior official who had served in multiple ministries and had acted on the instructions of the minister in question. They further contended that he had not committed any criminal breach of trust and requested bail.
After considering the submissions, the magistrate ruled that the facts presented were insufficient to deny bail and ordered Mayadunne’s release on two surety bonds of Rs. 200,000 each. The case is scheduled to be taken up again on May 28.
Priyantha Mayadunne is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s public administration, having held secretarial positions in several key ministries, including Ports and Shipping, National Policies and Economic Affairs, Special Projects, Fisheries, Justice, Public Administration and Home Affairs, Transport and Highways, and Town Planning, Water Supply, and Higher Education. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka and has received higher education from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the University of Kelaniya.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the substantial amount of public funds allegedly misused. It underscores ongoing concerns about corruption and accountability in the use of state resources. The investigation continues, with further developments expected when the case resumes later this month.
