High Court acquits former FCCISL Secretary General in criminal breach of trust case

Friday, 20 February 2026 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Samantha Abeywickrama

The High Court of Colombo has acquitted Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) former Secretary General Samantha Abeywickrama, bringing to a close a longstanding criminal case relating to alleged financial misconduct.

The case, filed under Section 391 of the Penal Code, concerned funds provided in 2007 for Abeywickrama’s official participation in an Asian Development Bank (ADB) workshop held in Bangkok, Thailand. The prosecution alleged that approximately Rs. 2.46 million had been dishonestly misappropriated.

After full trial proceedings and consideration of witness testimony and documentary evidence, the High Court held that the prosecution failed to prove the essential ingredients of criminal breach of trust. While it was undisputed that funds were advanced in the course of official duties, the Court found no evidence establishing dishonest misappropriation, fraudulent intent, or personal conversion of funds.

In delivering its judgment, the Court emphasised that criminal liability requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, particularly in relation to dishonest intention. The Court observed that no sufficient documentary or testimonial evidence had been presented to demonstrate that the funds were unlawfully used or improperly retained.

Accordingly, the Court acquitted Abeywickrama of all charges.

This decision affirms that the allegations were not substantiated by evidence meeting the standard required under criminal law. The acquittal restores Abeywickrama’s legal standing following proceedings that arose from events nearly two decades ago.

Abeywickrama served as Secretary General and CEO of the FCCISL during the relevant period and has consistently maintained that all financial procedures were followed in accordance with institutional approvals and audit processes.