Colombo, April 3 -- Former Chief Minister of the North Central Province S.M. Ranjith and his private secretary Shanthi Chandrasena, the spouse of former Minister S.M. Chandrasena, filed an appeal petition today before the Court of Appeal challenging the Colombo High Court's judgment, which convicted them and imposed 16 years of rigorous imprisonment over a case filed by the Bribery Commission.

Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige yesterday sentenced both accused to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, each was fined Rs. 200,000, with an additional prison term imposed in case of default.

Through their appeals, the two appellants stated that they were seeking the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to review and set asi...