COLOMBO (Lakbima News): Former minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested by officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after he gave a recorded statement in an investigation into alleged corruption and irregular recruitment at the National Lotteries Board.
Arrest details: Karunanayake arrived at the Bribery Commission at about 8.15 a.m. after responding to a summons. CIABOC questioned him for several hours and then arrested him on allegations of illegal recruitment and abuse of public office.
Allegations of irregular recruitment: Investigators say five people were appointed to the National Lotteries Board on contract without following approved recruitment procedures. CIABOC alleges those appointees were assigned to the former minister’s personal staff and that those appointments are part of the commission’s inquiry into the NLB’s hiring practices.
Previous summonses: CIABOC records show Karunanayake had been summoned on four earlier occasions but did not appear. Investigators say his failure to attend prompted further action by the commission.
Residence visit: Investigators visited his residence on Rajamalwatta Road in Battaramulla two days ago but found he was not at home, officials said.
Related legal action: The investigation has resulted in arrests and court action against other people linked to the NLB appointments. Former NLB chair Shyamila Perera was arrested in connection with the same inquiry and released on bail on June 30. CIABOC says the probe into alleged illegal recruitment at the National Lotteries Board is ongoing.
