Colombo, August 4, 2025 — In a sweeping anti-corruption effort, Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested 34 individuals in the first six months of 2025. The arrests span multiple sectors, including police, transport, health, and justice ministries.
Among those taken into custody were 10 police officers and five officials from the Ministry of Justice. The arrests were made following 27 sting operations conducted between January and June this year.
CIABOC officials stated that these efforts are part of a broader campaign to restore integrity in public service. “We are committed to ensuring that the rule of law applies equally to all. No one is above accountability,” said a senior official from the commission.
Over 3,000 public complaints were investigated during the same period, and legal proceedings have already begun in more than 50 cases.
Ex-Minister S.M. Chandrasena Remanded Over Alleged Misuse of State Funds
Colombo, August 4, 2025 — Former Deputy Economic Development Minister S.M. Chandrasena has been remanded following his arrest last month over allegations of misappropriating government maize seed stocks valued at approximately Rs. 25 million.
The incident reportedly took place during the 2015 presidential election campaign, when the seeds—originally designated for distribution to low-income farming families—were allegedly diverted for political purposes.
Chandrasena appeared before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on July 4. Investigators claim the case is part of a broader probe into election-time misuse of state resources.
Legal observers view the arrest as a strong signal that long-pending cases involving political misuse of public funds are beginning to see legal closure.
Two Former Ministers Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Landmark Corruption Verdicts
Colombo, August 4, 2025 — In a historic ruling, the Permanent High Court in Colombo handed down long-term prison sentences to two former Cabinet Ministers found guilty of high-level corruption dating back to the 2015 presidential election period.
Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for his role in misusing state funds during the procurement of sports equipment.
Meanwhile, former Minister Nalin Fernando received a 25-year sentence after being convicted of causing over Rs. 53 million in losses to the state through irregular government purchases.
“These rulings reaffirm the independence of the judiciary and the importance of accountability, regardless of political stature,” a senior counsel involved in the case remarked.
Both convictions followed years of investigation by CIABOC, which prosecutors said had faced delays due to political interference in prior administrations.
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