Ravi Karunanayake Arrested by Bribery Commission After Recording Statement

COLOMBO (News 1st): Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) following questioning and the recording of a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Karunanayake arrived at the Bribery Commission at approximately 8.15 a.m. in response to a summons issued by investigators. Following several hours of questioning, officials placed him under arrest as part of the ongoing probe.

The investigation relates to allegations that five individuals were recruited to the National Lotteries Board on a contract basis outside the approved recruitment procedures and subsequently attached to the former minister's personal staff.

According to investigators, Karunanayake had previously been summoned on four separate occasions to appear before the Bribery Commission, but had not reported to the commission on those occasions.

Investigators had also visited Karunanayake's residence on Rajamalwatta Road in Battaramulla two days ago in connection with the inquiry. However, officials stated that he was not at home at the time of the visit.

The investigation has already resulted in legal action against other individuals linked to the matter. Former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Shyamila Perera was arrested in connection with the same inquiry and was later released on bail on June 30.