Seed maize political distribution case
Current status of the Seed maize political distribution case
Alleged misuse/distribution of approximately 36,000 kg of seed maize worth about Rs. 25 million for political purposes while serving as a minister.
What’s happened
Indicted 2 Jul 2026 under Section 70 of the Bribery Act; bail continued with cash and sureties. The trial is under way before Colombo High Court Judge Ravindra Premarathne: on 22 Sep 2026, former Ministry of Economic Development Additional Secretary Shantha Bandara testified that the seed-maize distribution project had been approved under the Ministry's procedures. CIABOC prosecutes. No verdict; further trial fixed for 12 Oct 2026.
- Court
- Colombo High Court (Judge Ravindra Premarathne)
- Next hearing / due
- 12 October 2026
Seed maize political distribution case timeline
- 22 September 2026
Hearing
The trial continued before Colombo High Court Judge Ravindra Premarathne. Shantha Bandara, former Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development, testified that the seed-maize distribution project had been approved in accordance with the Ministry's procedures. This is witness testimony, not a judicial finding. Further trial was fixed for 12 October 2026.
Court: Colombo High Court
Sources (1)
- 22 July 2026
Hearing
reporting set a further hearing for 22 Jul 2026.
Court: Colombo High Court
- 2 July 2026
Indicted
Indicted 2 Jul 2026.
Court: Colombo High Court
- 1 August 2025
Bail Granted
Indicted 2 Jul 2026. Bail continued with cash and sureties; reporting set a further hearing for 22 Jul 2026.
Court: Colombo High Court
- 4 July 2025
Remanded
The politician was remanded in connection with Alleged misuse/distribution of approximately 36,000 kg of seed maize worth about Rs. 25 million for political purposes while serving as a minister.. The structured record shows the remand period ending on 2025-08-01.
Court: Colombo High Court