Mahinda Deshapriya Testifies In 'Sil-redi' Case

November 23, 2016

Former Elections Commissioner and present Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya today testified in the 'sil-redi' case which is heard against former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and former TRC Chairman Anusha Palpita.

Weeratunga and Palpita are involved in the case regarding the alleged misappropriation of Rs 600 million belonging to the TRC for a 'sil redi' distribution program.

Deshapriya said that he issued a circular during election time to state officials not to misuse state property and not to engage in activities which promote a particular candidate.

He said that on January 1 or 2 in 2015, a member of a certain political party complained to him that a sil-redi packet with leaflets inside were being distributed. He was in Anuradhapura during an inspection tour at the time, Deshapriya said.

Deshapriya recognized a sample package produced by the state counsel.

Further hearing was fixed for December 8, 15 and 16.