Ravi Karunanayake arrested by Bribery Commission

Former Minister and MP Ravi Karunanayake was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (31) after appearing before the commission to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The investigation concerns allegations that three employees recruited for a special project of the National Lotteries Board (NLB) were deployed for political activities, resulting in a financial loss to the government.

Karunanayake had earlier been instructed to appear before CIABOC to provide a statement. However, after he failed to do so, a team of CIABOC officials visited his residence on August 29.

He was not at home when the officials arrived.

His lawyers subsequently requested an alternative date for him to appear before the commission, citing his involvement in arrangements for his daughter’s wedding.

Following the request, Karunanayake was scheduled to appear before CIABOC yesterday (31).

He arrived at the commission in the morning, where he was taken into custody following questioning in connection with the investigation.