Priyankara Jayaratne, a former Minister of Civil Aviation in Sri Lanka, has been at the center of multiple legal battles over the years, with corruption charges mounting against him. His story is one of entangled investigations, acquittals, and fresh charges, as the political landscape of the country shifts.
The Initial Allegations and Investigations
Jayaratne’s legal woes began with a series of investigations into his alleged misuse of public funds. One of the most notable inquiries was conducted by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into serious acts of Fraud, Corruption, and Abuse of Power in 2015. This inquiry investigated financial irregularities at SriLankan Catering, the catering arm of SriLankan Airlines. Jayaratne was summoned to appear before the Commission over his role in the alleged financial fraud.
Two years later, in 2017, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed charges against him. These charges accused Jayaratne of abusing state funds by unlawfully appointing his private secretary, B. Dayawansha, as an officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. In addition, it was alleged that Jayaratne had provided Dayawansha with a salary and benefits funded by taxpayers. Both Jayaratne and Dayawansha were arrested and later released on bail.
The Bribery Commission’s Withdrawal of Charges
In 2017, the case came before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, where the Bribery Commission filed charges under Section 70 of the Bribery Act. The charge stemmed from allegations that Jayaratne had caused a loss to the government by appointing Dayawansha in violation of the Civil Aviation Act. However, in an unexpected twist, the Bribery Commission decided to withdraw the charges in 2018, citing a Supreme Court ruling in the Anoma Polwatte case.
Despite the case being withdrawn, the Chief Magistrate made it clear that the Bribery Commission could file a fresh case if needed. This decision seemed like a temporary respite for Jayaratne, but it did not mark the end of his legal troubles.
The Renewed Charges Under the New Government
In January 2025, with a new political regime in place, the Bribery Commission filed three new corruption cases against Jayaratne. These cases stemmed from actions allegedly taken during his tenure as Minister of Civil Aviation.
Vesak Greeting Cards Scandal: The first case relates to a Rs. 128,520 loss incurred by the Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) due to the printing of 3,000 Vesak greeting cards during Jayaratne’s time in office.
Misleading Payment to Private Organization: The second case accuses Jayaratne of misleading the officers at the SLCAA into making a Rs. 360,000 payment to a private organization, causing a loss to the state.
Misleading Transfer to National Savings Bank: The final case accuses Jayaratne of misleading SLCAA officers into transferring Rs. 494,000 to a Chilaw National Savings Bank account, which also resulted in a financial loss to the government.
These new cases have put Jayaratne back in the crosshairs of the legal system, this time under a government with a different political landscape. The timing of the charges has raised questions about whether they are politically motivated or a genuine effort to hold Jayaratne accountable for his actions.
The Political Dimension
The renewed charges against Jayaratne coincide with a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, with a new government now in power. This has led to speculations about whether these charges are a part of a broader strategy to target former political figures associated with the previous administration.
In his defense, Jayaratne has maintained his innocence, claiming that the allegations are politically driven and without merit. However, with the legal proceedings now underway, it is clear that his battle in the courtroom is far from over.
As the cases progress, it remains to be seen whether Jayaratne will be able to secure another acquittal, as he did in previous cases, or if the renewed charges will lead to a different outcome this time. What is certain is that his legal saga is a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, corruption, and the law in Sri Lanka’s turbulent political environment.
