Colombo – In a landmark judgment delivered Wednesday, Sri Lanka's former president Chandrika Kumaratunga was fined by the country's Supreme Court for illegally allocating state land to a private golf course project.

Kumaratunga, the country's president from 1994 to 2005, was fined 3 million rupees (27,000 dollars) and ordered to pay compensation to the state after allocating land meant for public purposes located near the parliamentary complex for a golf course.

It is the first time in 30 years that presidential powers have been challenged successfully in the Supreme Court. During his time in office, the president enjoys immunity against any legal action, Sri Lanka's constitution says.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarath N Silva ordered the cancellation of the golf course project and the return of the land to the state. (dpa)