Indictments filed against Mahindananda

The indictments filed against former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage for allegedly purchasing a house worth Rs.27 million at Kynsey Road, Colombo 7 over a complaint that he had allegedly purchased properties through illegally acquired money were yesterday read out to Aluthgamage by the Colombo High Court.

However, MP Aluthgamage through his lawyer informed High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga that his client was not pleading guilty to the charges.

Meanwhile, the High Court yesterday commenced recording evidence from prosecution witnesses in the case. Further trial is fixed for today.

The Attorney General had filed indictments against Mahindananda Aluthgamage alleging that he (Aluthgamage) had purchased a house at Kynsey Road, Colombo 7 from an individual named Christopher Roshan for Rs.27 million.

The Attorney General alleged that the accused has failed to disclose how he was able to raise the money for the purchase of the house and further alleged that he had committed an offence that comes under Section 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The former Minister stands accused of financial irregularities in a complaint lodged against him by the convener of the Voice Against Corruption Wasantha Samarasinghe.

Deputy Solicitor General Thusith Mudalige appeared for the Attorney General. Counsel Kanchana Ratwatte appeared on behalf of the accused.