The Colombo High Court granted former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga more time to pay the remaining Rs. 9 million of a Rs. 25 million fine imposed following his conviction in an extortion case.
Ranatunga, a former Western Province Chief Minister, was due to pay the outstanding amount when the case was called today. However, his lawyer requested additional time to settle the balance.
High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga ordered that the case be called again on 1 February next year for payment of the remaining sum.
The case concerned a demand for Rs. 64 million from Moratuwa businessman S. Christian Gihan Mendis on 10 April 2015 in connection with approval to fill a plot of land in Meethotamulla, Kolonnawa. The charges included obtaining Rs. 15 million through intimidation.
The Attorney General filed five counts against Ranatunga, his wife, Moris Stella Ranatunga, and Naresh Kumar Farik under Sections 113(a), 102 and 373 of the Penal Code.
The third accused, Farik, did not appear before court, and the trial proceeded in his absence under Section 241 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act.
Seven witnesses, including Mendis, testified for the prosecution. Stella Ranatunga made a statement from the dock, while R.P. Nuwan Rajapaksa testified for the defence.
Delivering its judgement on 6 June 2022, the Colombo High Court found Prasanna Ranatunga guilty and sentenced him to two years’ rigorous imprisonment, suspended for five years.
The court also imposed a Rs. 25 million fine and ordered him to pay Rs. 1 million in compensation to the businessman. It ordered a further nine-year prison term in default of payment of the fine. His wife, the second accused, was acquitted.
Ranatunga subsequently appealed against the High Court ruling. The appeal was taken up before a five-member Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Mayadunne Corea, P. Kumaran Ratnam, Sasi Mahendran, Damith Thotawatta and Amal Ranaraja.
Appearing for Ranatunga, President’s Counsel Faiz Musthapha informed the court that his client was prepared to withdraw the appeal if he was given time to pay the fine and compensation.
Deputy Solicitor General Azaad Navavi, representing the Attorney General, and President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne, appearing for the aggrieved party, raised no objection and invited the court to make an appropriate order within its powers.
The Court of Appeal accordingly permitted the withdrawal of the appeal. Of the Rs. 25 million fine, Rs. 9 million remained unpaid.
