By Newswire Editorial
Former National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga was arrested today (10) over allegations of misusing public funds amounting to approximately Rs. 14.8 million to obtain security personnel and drivers for his personal use, according to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The Bribery Commission states that Ranatunga is accused of causing the NWSDB to pay approximately Rs. 5.8 million to a private company for two security officers deployed at his private residence, despite not being legally entitled to such services.
He is also accused of employing two drivers for his personal use without legal entitlement and arranging payments of approximately Rs. 9 million from funds allocated to water supply project contracts implemented by the Board.
The Bribery Commission said these actions allegedly caused a financial loss of approximately Rs. 14.8 million to the government while providing Ranatunga with unlawful personal benefits.
Ranatunga was arrested by CIABOC investigating officers at around 1.30 p.m. today on corruption charges.
Following his arrest, he was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered his release on cash bail of Rs. 75,000 and two personal surety bonds of Rs. 1 million each.
The court also imposed an overseas travel ban on the former NWSDB Chairman. (Newswire)
