Colombo Additional Magistrate Oshadhi Migara Mahaarachchi today (22) ordered former MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena to submit in writing, by 16 December, any reasons for the non-payment of Rs. 36,975,959 in personal income tax.

The case was filed by the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue over allegations that Gunawardena failed to pay income tax due for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012.

When the case was called yesterday (21), Gunawardena, who is currently out on bail, was present in court.

His lawyer, Jeevantha Jayathilaka, informed the court that a petition has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court, which is scheduled to be taken up on 26 March 2026.

However, appearing for the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Attorney Dinesh Perera stated that the Supreme Court has not issued any order preventing the continuation of the case, and therefore, there is no legal barrier to proceeding.

After considering submissions from both parties, the Additional Magistrate directed Gunawardena to submit in writing any valid reasons for his failure to settle the outstanding tax payments.