Jayaratne corruption trial adjourned to mid-November over Vesak card charges

The Colombo High Court yesterday deferred the continuation of corruption proceedings against former Minister Piyankara Jayaratne, with the next hearing scheduled for November 13. Jayaratne was produced before the court by prison authorities for the matter, which centres on allegations related to the printing of 3,000 Vesak commemorative cards.

The case has been filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which is pursuing separate charges against the former minister. Jayaratne is currently serving a prison sentence stemming from a previous corruption conviction, while simultaneously facing this additional charge.

The postponement reflects the complexity of managing multiple legal proceedings involving the former political figure. The November 13 date marks the next opportunity for the court to hear arguments and evidence in the case, with further procedural steps expected to unfold over the coming weeks.