Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been remanded until 26 May by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court over his alleged involvement in the controversial procurement of substandard organic fertiliser in 2021.

Aluthgamage appeared in court today (19) after a warrant was issued on 16 May at the request of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which is investigating the improper payment made to a Chinese supplier during his ministerial tenure.

The former minister had filed a motion requesting the case be heard and previously sought anticipatory bail, fearing arrest. However, following submissions from the CIABOC, the court ruled to remand him.

Further legal proceedings are set to continue.