The Colombo High Court yesterday ordered the acquittal of former Minister Udaya Gammanpila in the case filed against him for criminal breach of trust involving Rs. 21 million through the misappropriation of shares belonging to an Australian businessman.
Colombo High Court Judge Nadee Aparna Suwandurugoda delivered this verdict following a lengthy trial. Delivering the verdict, the judge stated that the charges brought by the prosecution against the accused had not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the judge ordered the acquittal and release of the accused.
This case was filed against Udaya Gammanpila during the tenure of the previous 'Good Governance' (Yahapalana) government, on charges of criminal breach of trust involving Rs. 21 million, allegedly committed by selling shares belonging to Australian businessman Brian Shaddick through the use of forged powers of attorney.