Colombo, August 4, 2025 — The Officer-in-Charge of the Okkampitiya Police Station was today ordered to be remanded until August 18 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, following his arrest on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe.
The arrest was carried out by officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), who allege that the officer accepted an unlawful payment from a member of the public in exchange for withholding legal action in a pending matter.
During court proceedings, CIABOC officers submitted preliminary evidence and requested the suspect’s remand, citing the risk of interference with witnesses and the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Magistrate Jayatunga, taking into account the gravity of the offence and the officer’s position of authority, ordered that he be held in custody at the Colombo Remand Prison until the next hearing on August 18.
The incident has renewed concerns over corruption within law enforcement, particularly at the leadership level. Legal observers and civil society groups are calling for stronger mechanisms to ensure accountability in public service.
“Corruption at this level damages not just the reputation of the police, but public faith in justice itself,” said one senior legal commentator in Colombo.
The Bribery Commission has confirmed that further inquiries are underway and that any officials found complicit in misconduct will be held accountable under the law.
Leave a comment