Lanka Salt GM Granted Bail in Corruption Probe

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered the release on bail of Lanka Salt Company General Manager R.M. Gunaratne, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over alleged corruption charges linked to a procurement irregularity.

The suspect was released on two surety bails of Rs. 5 million each, following his production before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama this afternoon. 

However, the court imposed strict conditions, including a travel ban, and directed that the suspect’s passport be surrendered to the court.

Gunaratne had been taken into custody earlier today and was subsequently produced before the court by investigators, who outlined the allegations against him. 

According to submissions made in court, the arrest is connected to a procurement process involving the Hambantota Salt Company, where it is alleged that salt packaging materials were obtained through an order placed without following proper procurement procedures.

Investigators informed the court that the irregular transaction resulted in an estimated loss of nearly Rs. 14.3 million to the State.