The 61-year-old former minister was also fined 200,000 rupees and failure to pay up will mean another year in prison, judge Mohamed Mihal ordered.
He said Jayaratne had abused the people’s trust placed in him, warning that similar offences by public representatives would result in prison sentences. The case had been filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Jayaratne has also under investigation over allegations of bribery in the purchase of Airbus aircraft in 2013. The then CEO of Sri Lankan airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, who was found dead in May, had told investigators that he gave 20 million rupees out of a $2.0 million kickback from Airbus.
Chandrasena had also said that he gave 60 million rupees to then president Mahinda Rajapaksa, a charge the former leader has denied.
The latest court ruling comes as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government intensifies its anti-corruption campaign.
Former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested on Monday over allegations that he included three personal staff on the payroll of the National Lotteries Board.
Another former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is also facing charges linked to the alleged theft of a sacred rock.
Two other ministers are already in jail for periods up to 20 years after being convicted of corruption charges.
Members of former President Rajapaksa’s family are likewise under investigation or prosecution for alleged money laundering, bribery and murder. The Rajapaksas deny all allegations. (Colombo/Sept1/2026)