Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (12).

The MP appeared before the Bribery Commission following a summons issued to him in connection with an ongoing investigation.

According to reports, he has been summoned to record a statement relating to the investigation. (Newswire)

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Sixteen (16) former Cabinet Ministers have been implicated in bribery and corruption cases investigated between October 2024 and October 2026, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala told Parliament today (08).

Addressing Parliament, Watagala said that cases handled by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) during this period had also implicated three former State Ministers, one former Chief Minister, four wives of former ministers, seven children of former ministers and six local government chairpersons.

He alleged that corruption had extended beyond former political officeholders to their family members and associates, claiming that even drivers employed by politicians had been linked to bribery allegations.

The Deputy Minister attributed the progress in anti-corruption investigations to measures taken by the current government to ensure the independence of state institutions.

He claimed that although the Anti-Corruption Act was passed in 2023, its effective implementation had been neglected under the previous administration.

Watagala said the current government had introduced the necessary guidelines and strengthened the independence of the Bribery Commission, enabling it to carry out investigations and perform its duties more effectively.

He maintained that the developments demonstrated the importance of institutional independence in addressing bribery and corruption. (Newswire)

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Former National Savings Bank (NSB) Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with the investigation into the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ account linked to former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.

Kariyawasam, who is also the husband of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, was arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations concerning the account.

The investigation relates to the Siriliya Saviya initiative associated with Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, Shiranthi Rajapaksa was also arrested by Bribery Commission officials today (07) after investigators recorded a statement from her at her residence earlier this morning in connection with the investigation. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Bandula Gunawardena arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (02), following a summons issued by the Commission.

According to reports, the former Minister was summoned to record a statement in connection with a Cabinet paper submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers in 2007.

Gunawardena appeared before the Bribery Commission in response to the summons, with officials expected to record his statement regarding the matter. (Newswire)

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has identified around 34,000 individuals who are liable to face penalties over late submissions of asset declarations, Director General Ranga Dissanayake told the Committee on Public Finance (COPF).

Responding to questions from COPF Chairman Harsha de Silva regarding the Commission’s financial requirements and the availability of funds, Dissanayake said there was currently no money available in the relevant fund, but funds were expected to be received in the future.

De Silva suggested that the Commission impose higher fines where applicable, noting that revenue generated through penalties could be utilised to meet some of its requirements.

In response, Dissanayake revealed that approximately 34,000 individuals had already been identified in relation to late submissions of asset declarations, adding that penalties would be imposed on them.

De Silva remarked that the revenue generated through fines imposed on such a large number of individuals could even be used to purchase vehicles required by the Commission.

During the discussion, the COPF Chairman also raised allegations that the Bribery Commission was disproportionately pursuing individuals associated with the opposition.

Responding to the allegation, Dissanayake said the Commission was dealing with a significant backlog of investigations, including files dating back many years, and that this had resulted in several individuals in the opposition being implicated in ongoing investigations.

He said the Commission could choose to stop investigating older complaints and concentrate exclusively on new cases, but explained that priority had instead been given to establishing a special unit to complete longstanding investigations.

Dissanayake cited an investigation file dating back to 2005, saying the Commission would have to close it because legal proceedings could not be instituted after the lapse of 20 years. He said this illustrated the age of some of the files still remaining with the Commission.

He stressed, however, that prioritising old files did not mean that newly received complaints were being ignored, adding that investigations into other matters were continuing with the resources currently available.

The Director General also referred to several Presidential Commissions appointed in 2015, saying a number of files originating from that period remained unresolved.

He said the Commission had also received a considerable number of complaints following the change of government, including around 70 cases stemming from the Presidential Commission chaired by Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

According to Dissanayake, these include major cases, but little or no progress had previously been made on several of them.

He further said there were files dating from 2019 where, apart from meetings being held, no substantial progress had been made until 2025.

Dissanayake maintained that new complaints were also being addressed and said the Commission would be able to devote greater attention to newer investigations as it completes the backlog of longstanding cases. (Newswire)

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A former Commissioner (Investigations) of the Department of Land Title Settlement has been arrested by the Bribery Commission over allegations involving a government-owned property in Borella valued at more than Rs. 1.58 billion.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said Nishantha Mohan Wickramasinghe was arrested by its investigating officers at around 9.45 am today (29).

According to the Bribery Commission, the suspect is accused of misusing his official authority while serving as Commissioner (Investigations) by using the department’s letterhead to issue an investigation report under an irregular investigation number.

The report had allegedly represented a 1.0982-hectare government-owned property at Assessment No. 30, Elliott Road, Borella, as land belonging to a private party.

The property has an estimated market value of Rs. 1.586 billion.

The Bribery Commission alleges that the actions caused a loss to the Government while providing a benefit to another party, amounting to an alleged offence of corruption.

The suspect is due to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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Former Chairman of Lanka Mineral Sands Limited Udeni Jayaratne Dassanayake was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (25) over alleged irregularities in the recruitment of casual workers.

According to the Bribery Commission, Dassanayake was arrested by its investigating officers at around 9.25 am over allegations relating to the recruitment of employees as casual labourers during 2023 and 2024.

The Commission alleges that the recruitments were made in excess of the approved number of workers and outside the prescribed recruitment procedure at Lanka Mineral Sands Limited.

The Bribery Commission further alleges that Rs. 34,438,650.42 had been paid as salaries to the casual workers recruited in this manner, thereby providing them with an undue benefit.

Dassanayake was arrested on allegations of committing the offence of corruption in connection with the recruitments and subsequent salary payments.

The former Lanka Mineral Sands Chairman is due to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, the Bribery Commission added. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested an Assistant Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, accused of assisting in the preparation of an illegal foreign travel document for an organized criminal.

According to police, officers of the CID’s Special Investigation Division carried out the arrest yesterday (17) morning at the Immigration and Emigration Department premises.

The suspect has been identified as a 42‑year‑old resident of Gampaha.

The CID’s Special Investigation Division is conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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Senior Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) figure and former National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman Renuka Perera has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

According to Newsfirst, Perera was arrested over allegations of corruption linked to the issuance of 56 passenger service permits for the Southern Expressway.

The allegations relate to the process through which the permits were issued during his tenure as NTC Chairman.

Further details regarding the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings are expected from authorities.

The allegations against Perera have not been proven in court. (Newswire)

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Officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday arrested a Court Office Assistant attached to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 500.

The arrest took place around 3.35 pm at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, following confirmation of facts related to a complaint that the official had demanded money to provide a copy of a judgment in a financial dispute case that had been settled on June 30, 2026.

The Bribery Commission said the suspect will be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has announced that administrative penalties will be imposed on individuals who submitted their Declaration of Assets and Liabilities (Annual or Post‑Retirement) after the prescribed deadline of 30 June 2026 but on or before 31 August 2026.

The Commission stated that penalties will be levied under Section 90 of the Anti‑Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, based on the number of days the submission was delayed. 

However, before imposing such penalties, CIABOC has decided to provide affected individuals an opportunity to show cause as to why the penalty should not be applied.

In terms of Section 80(1) of the Act, those who submitted declarations late must provide written reasons, supported by documentary evidence if available, explaining the delay. 

Submissions must be made to the Commission on or before 30 September 2026, and must include the National Identity Card (NIC) number and telephone number of the person concerned.

Failure to submit reasons by the deadline will be treated as a failure to show reasonable cause, and the administrative penalty will be imposed accordingly.

The Commission has also specified that submissions should clearly indicate the subject “Reasons for the delay.” 

For postal submissions, this must be written on the top left‑hand corner of the envelope, while for email submissions it must be used as the subject line.

Official contact details for submissions:

• Address: Director (Assets and Liabilities Declaration Division), Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, No. 36, Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 07
• Email: ald@ciaboc.gov.lk
• Telephone/Fax: 0112587287
• WhatsApp: 0767011954 (Newswire)

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Former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning (08).

According to reports, he has been summoned to provide a statement in connection with investigations into the Airbus purchase incident.

His appearance forms part of the ongoing inquiry into the matter. (Newswire)

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A principal of a reputed school in Rumassala, Unawatuna was arrested on Monday (07) by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs.250,000 for admitting two children to the school.

It is reported that according to a complaint lodged by the children’s mother, the suspect was taken into custody at a well‑known shop in Habaraduwa, Galle.

The Bribery Commission states that the suspect, identified as a resident of Ahangama, had initially demanded Rs.600,000 to admit the children to Grade 1 and Grade 8 in 2026.

The amount was later reduced to Rs.300,000, of which Rs.150,000 was accepted. 

The complainant further alleged that after receiving this sum, the suspect continued to demand additional payments and threatened that the children would be removed from the school if the money was not provided.

The suspect was arrested while accepting Rs.250,000 and is scheduled to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court today. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s sweeping anti‑corruption reforms were spotlighted on the opening day of the First Resumed Session of the 17th Implementation Review Group (IRG) at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna.

Delivering a keynote address, Justice Neil Iddawala, Chairman of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), outlined the country’s transformative progress in legislative reform, digital transparency, and institutional strengthening. His remarks drew wide appreciation from international delegates, States Parties, and legal experts.

Justice Iddawala emphasized that Sri Lanka sees the UN Review Mechanism not only as a compliance tool but as a catalyst for genuine reform. He highlighted the Anti‑Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, which has restructured the nation’s legal framework, and the introduction of the Centralized Electronic Assets and Liabilities Declaration System. He also pointed to technology‑driven initiatives aimed at minimizing corruption risks, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency.

The Chairman further detailed the rollout of the National Anti‑Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029, “Towards Integrity”, alongside capacity‑building programmes for local government institutions, the police, and the financial sector. Direct interventions in public‑sector systems identified as vulnerable to corruption were also noted.

Concluding his address, Justice Iddawala urged the international community to make the Review Mechanism an instrument that drives practical reforms: “For Sri Lanka, the true measure of success is not the number of laws enacted, institutions created or systems launched. It is whether these reforms produce a measurable improvement in integrity, accountability, public confidence and the recovery of public resources.”

Sri Lanka’s comprehensive approach, spanning legislative reform to digital implementation, was commended by participants, with the country’s progress cited as a practical example for developing nations. (Newswire)

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today arrested former Cooperative and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando and Hemantha Lalith de Silva, owner of Design Point (Pvt.) Ltd., on charges of corruption and aiding and abetting.

The Bribery Commission alleges that during the purchase of chairs for the Rajapaksa Hall at Polgolla, procurement rules were bypassed. 

Instead of awarding the contract to the institution that submitted the lowest qualified bid, arrangements were made to purchase from Design Point (Pvt.) Ltd. 

This decision is said to have caused a financial loss of Rs. 7,973,114.50 to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, while granting undue benefit to an outside party.

Both suspects were taken into custody at 9.30 am and are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today disclosed the reasons behind the arrest of former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, who was taken into custody on corruption charges.

According to the Bribery Commission, Karunanayake, while serving as Minister of Finance between January 12, 2015 and May 22, 2017, together with then National Lottery Board Chairperson Shamila Perera, recruited three individuals, two as coordinating officers and one as a management assistant, on contract basis under the guise of a special project of the Ministry of Finance.

The Commission stated that these individuals provided no service to the National Lottery Board, yet were paid salaries and allowances from its funds. This act, it said, constitutes corruption under Section 70 of the Bribery Act No. 20 of 1994 as amended.

Karunanayake was arrested at around 1.40 pm today by investigation officers of the Commission. He is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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Member of Parliament and former Minister Ravi Karunanayake was taken into custody today when he appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to provide a statement.

It is reported that Karunanayake faces allegations that three employees recruited for a special project of the National Lottery Board were diverted to his political activities, causing financial loss to the Government.

The MP had reportedly been notified on several occasions to appear before the Commission in connection with the investigation but failed to do so. 

Bribery Commission officers had visited his residence recently, after which Ravi Karunanayake appeared before the Commission today. (Newswire)

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Former Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today (13).

His appearance was linked to investigations initiated following a complaint lodged by Kularatne and others regarding the alleged misuse of vehicles and official residences said to have been committed by the Speaker.

Kularatne arrived at the Bribery Commission to provide a statement in connection with the matter, as inquiries continue into the allegations. (Newswire)

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Member of Parliament M. L. A. M. Hizbullah appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning (13).

His appearance followed a notice issued by the Commission requiring him to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation into his assets. (Newswire)

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The Bribery Commission has filed indictments before the Colombo High Court against former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne over corruption allegations tied to a sand dredging project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour.

The indictments allege that while serving as Minister of Fisheries, Senaratne improperly awarded the contract for sand removal at the harbour to a Korean company, causing a financial loss of more than Rs. 20 million to the state.

The Bribery Commission alleges that the deal violated procurement norms and resulted in significant losses to public funds. Proceedings are scheduled to move forward before the Colombo High Court. (Newswire)

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