The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has revealed details surrounding the arrest of former Cabinet Minister Jagath Pushpakumara, stating that he is accused of misusing state resources across multiple election periods and public events.
According to the Bribery Commission, Pushpakumara, who previously served as Minister of Coconut Development and Public Estate Development, was arrested at around 9:20 am today (08).
According to the Bribery Commission, the allegations include:
- 2014 Uva Provincial Council election – directing Chilaw and Kurunegala Plantations Companies to print 250,000 posters and leaflets on government projects, incurring Rs. 2.66 million in costs.
- 2015 Presidential election period – purchasing 5,000 clothing sets each with T‑shirts and sarongs, and shirts and sarongs, from the two plantation companies without proper procedure, costing Rs. 3.27 million and Rs. 3.07 million respectively, and failing to distribute them as flood relief.
- 2013–2014 May Day rallies – instructing officials to provide 2,000 T‑shirts and 1,500 saris each from both plantation companies to rally participants.
Pushpakumara has been released on two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each after being produced before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)
