Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption authorities are investigating 16 former Cabinet ministers over allegations of abuse of power and financial irregularities, according to local media reports.
Swarnavahini News reported that the Police Assets Investigation Division has handed over investigation files relating to the assets of nearly 20 politicians, including former ministers and MPs, to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala was quoted as saying that all information uncovered during the police investigations had been forwarded to the Bribery Commission.
Meanwhile, the Bribery Commission is reportedly conducting separate investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption involving more than 55 politicians.
According to the report, investigations are also underway into the assets of more than 500 individuals across the country, including nearly 60 politicians and former ministers.
Of particular significance are investigations involving 16 former Cabinet ministers over alleged misuse of power and financial misconduct.
The report further stated that several politicians and their associates have been arrested in connection with investigations conducted in recent months.
The Bribery Commission has been granted expanded investigative powers under recent legislative reforms aimed at tackling bribery, corruption and illicit wealth accumulation.
The investigations remain ongoing, and no findings of guilt have been established against the individuals mentioned in the report. (Newswire)
