Former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne, who is currently serving a prison sentence over a corruption charge, has been produced before the Colombo High Court today (11) in connection with another corruption case filed against him by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The case has been filed against the former minister over allegations that he caused a loss of Rs. 128,520 to the government by unlawfully printing Vesak cards while serving as the Minister of Civil Aviation in 2013.

The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela today, Ada Derana reporter said.

The accused former minister was produced before the court by prison officials.

During the proceedings, a CIABOC officer requested permission from the court to call an investigating officer who was involved in the investigation as a witness in the case.

However, appearing for the accused, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando objected to the request, stating that he opposed the introduction of new witnesses at a stage when the trial had reached its final stages.

Nevertheless, delivering his order, High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela granted permission for the relevant investigating officer to be called as a witness in the case.

The judge also ordered CIABOC to provide the defence with any documents it intends to submit to court through the said witness within one week from today.

CIABOC has filed the case against the former minister alleging that he committed the offence of “corruption” by unlawfully printing 3,000 Vesak cards between May 10 and June 6, 2013, while serving as the Minister of Civil Aviation, thereby causing a loss of Rs. 128,520 to the government.