Ex-Moratuwa Mayor Remanded Over Rigging 112 Contracts

Colombo (News 1st); Former Mayor of the Moratuwa Municipal Council, Saman Lal Fernando, was remanded until September 23 following his appearance before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

Fernando was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in connection with a corruption case dating back to 2013. 

The allegations relate to irregularities during the implementation of an urban, internal, and rural road development program.

Police Inspector U.P. Wickramaarachchi, appearing on behalf of the Commission, stated that the suspect had caused financial losses to the state by making payments to associates in violation of financial regulations under 112 development contracts awarded by the Moratuwa Municipal Council.

The Commission informed the court that statements need to be recorded from officials who served at the Council during that period. It also argued that, as a former mayor, Fernando could potentially influence witnesses, and therefore requested that he be remanded.

Fernando’s legal counsel submitted a bail application, but after reviewing the facts, the Chief Magistrate ordered that all relevant documents be handed over to the Commission and instructed that progress of the investigation be reported to the court. The suspect was remanded accordingly.