Meethotamulla extortion case: Prasanna’s appeal against sentence fixed for inquiry

26 March 2024 08:20 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, March 26 (Daily Mirror)- An appeal filed by Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga challenging the Colombo High Court’s decision to impose a suspended imprisonment in connection with the Meethotamulla extortion case was today fixed for inquiry by the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal divisional bench headed by Justice D.N. Samarakoon fixed the matter for inquiry on April 30.

Minister Ranatunga was convicted for the thirteenth count out of fifteen by High Court Judge Manjula Tillekaratne over an indictment filed for threatening a businessman over the phone and demanding Rs. 64 million in 2015. Accordingly, he was sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment suspended for five years by the Colombo High Court.

The Court further ordered the Minister to pay a fine of Rs. 25 million. The thirteenth count had been filed under Section 373 for extortion in order to execute five promissory notes in a dishonest manner after threatening the businessman.

Through his appeal, Minister Ranatunga stated that he was seeking the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to review and set aside his conviction and the sentence imposed by the Colombo High Court.

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Comments - 18

Shirley Tuesday, 26 March 2024 08:35 PM

There was a time that,the judgment is always in favor of politicians of prassan’s caliber but now that possibility very low, due to closeness of elections and very vigilant media and as whole world watching fairness for victim,

Gabriella Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:03 PM

This appeal has taken a very long time to be heard. The planets may have “aligned” for Prassana.

Rip Winkle Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:00 PM

I hope he ends up convicted and jailed. Probability is low but the possibility exists.

Jayantha Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:24 PM

This is why he is trying his level best to bogusly support Rw. This guy should be in jail by now.

pantha kumaran Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:38 PM

What Prasanna is to do until such time he is proven to be innocent he should give his minitrial portfolio. Sadly today he is advising us how to run the country. He is a criminal and he must go

UTTER DISGRACE Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:42 PM

ANYONE KNOWS IF HE PAID THE 64M FINE? UTTER DISGRANCE, HE SHOULD BE THROWN BEHIND BARS.

Buddhist Tuesday, 26 March 2024 11:38 PM

Court of appeal if found guilty should send him to jail and not approve the suspended sentence.

Ram Wednesday, 27 March 2024 03:17 AM

I wish if Prasanna suffers his waterloo with the Appeal decision

DillonDP Wednesday, 27 March 2024 05:59 AM

Convicted of extortion but still a legislator . Fine of 25 million it's quite weird

lion Wednesday, 27 March 2024 06:18 AM

We as citizen of this country were able to recognize this kappan masters voice very clearly when he was shouting at the victim to obtain kappam money. That recording which was circulated in public domain is enough to sentence this kappam master for a prolong period and banish from the parliament. Hope and pray that the learned judges will deliver a judgement which will be a lesson to kappam kings in the parliament.

Kps Wednesday, 27 March 2024 06:19 AM

No wonder Prasanna was in favor of RW in order to dismiss the charges

Why a suspended sentence? Wednesday, 27 March 2024 08:01 AM

There is every reason for the Minister to go back to his god father seeking protection. But I don't understand why a suspended sentence was given! Why not punish him for the crime? The matter would be solved!

Sokrates Wednesday, 27 March 2024 09:30 AM

Something like this is only possible in dictatorships, banana republics or governments that are dependent on mafia clans. It is always outrageous to hear that convicted criminals, even murderers, sit in the Sri Lankan parliament and government, where they are pampered at the expense of the people.

Asoka Goonawardena Wednesday, 27 March 2024 11:21 AM

Justice must be done . People feel the verdict given is the right one , hence they need to uphold the verdict and sentence him

Cherath Wednesday, 27 March 2024 12:13 PM

What is the earthly use of a suspended sentence when this brute is allowed to carry on as a law maker? He might as well followed up his kappam demand with physical assault, decapitation and murder, if suspended sentence is all he was going to get! And why nine long years and the case is still dragging on? Why?

Bryan Ekenaike Wednesday, 27 March 2024 01:10 PM

And we call these jokers "lawmakers". WHY???

Buddhist Wednesday, 27 March 2024 03:52 PM

Kappam karaya knows that after the election he will not be in the Parliament. Because of it he is trying to get a ruling using his present political power now.

VJ Thursday, 28 March 2024 09:32 AM

If the crime was committed and proven, then the accused must be sentenced in accordance with the law. And the law should be applied equally to all.

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Meethotamulla extortion case: Prasanna’s appeal against sentence fixed for inquiry

Comments - 18

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