The Colombo High Court today (29) cleared and released former Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former Chairman of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Mohamed Rumi, in the White Van case without calling for a defence.

The case was filed in connection with allegations that the two defendants prejudiced then-presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa during a media conference held in Colombo on November 10, 2019. The media conference reportedly addressed incidents of abductions involving white vans, which became a controversial issue during the 2019 presidential election.

The charges, brought under the Penal Code, accused the defendants of fabricating false evidence and committing acts intended to harm Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s campaign and influence the election outcome.

High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka delivered the decision following a lengthy hearing, ordering the acquittal of both defendants.