The Colombo High Court has ordered that further evidence in the corruption case filed against former Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) be heard on 5 October.

The case was taken up today (7) before Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela.

Former Chairman of the Ceylon Fertilizer Company Buddhika Ruwan Madihahewa testified that a procurement process was initiated in 2014 to select a bidder for road carpeting at the company’s Hunupitiya warehouse complex. He stated that Jayakody was serving as the company’s procurement manager at the time.

He further stated that a private company was selected through the proper procurement process and received an advance payment of Rs. 8,859,708 against an advance guarantee. However, the company failed to carry out the work, and only Rs. 2,214,921 was subsequently recovered under the guarantee.

A legal officer from the National Audit Office also gave evidence before the court. Further proceedings were adjourned until 5 October.