Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed an anticipatory bail application with the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, seeking protection from potential arrest over allegations of causing a government loss exceeding Rs. 1.3 billion. The case pertains to the controversial importation of organic fertilizer from China, which was reportedly contaminated with harmful pathogens.
The Bribery Commission’s Special Investigation Unit is probing whether Aluthgamage’s actions during the procurement process led to a substantial financial loss. In his petition, Aluthgamage asserts that the payment to Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd. was facilitated through the People’s Bank under a Letter of Credit, and that the Sri Lankan government retains the ability to recover the funds. He further contends that he has not caused any loss to the government as reported in the press.
The controversy dates back to 2021 when Sri Lanka planned to import 99,000 metric tons of organic fertilizer from Qingdao Seawin Biotech for US$ 63 million. However, Schutter Global Inspection & Survey Co. Ltd.’s laboratory tests revealed harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Erwinia, in the fertilizer samples. Consequently, the Colombo District Court issued an interim order suspending payments to the Chinese company.
The anticipatory bail application is scheduled to be considered by Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali on Monday, 19th. This development adds to the series of legal challenges faced by Aluthgamage, who was previously acquitted in a money laundering case in April 2024 due to insufficient evidence.
