⚖️ Supreme Court Grants Leave to Appeal in Former Deputy Minister's Bribery Case

• Legal Developments: The Supreme Court granted special leave to appeal to former People’s Alliance Deputy Minister Shantha Premaratne, challenging his conviction by the Colombo High Court for accepting a Rs. 50,000 bribe. The 3-judge bench will consider whether trial evidence established the alleged offence. • Case History: Premaratne was sentenced to 8 years’ rigorous imprisonment in 2017 regarding a 2007 incident involving employment placement at the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in November 2024. • Defense Arguments: The appellant maintains the funds were party donations for building headquarters in Ampara and alleges political rivalry following election defeats and party defections prompted the complaint. • Key Entities: Former Deputy Minister Shantha Premaratne (represented by Counsel Hafeel Farisz), Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (Bribery Commission), and the CEB.