Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake has been arrested by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) following several hours of questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Karunanayake arrived at the Bribery Commission at around 8.15 a.m. on Monday in response to a summons issued by investigators. Following the recording of his statement and questioning, CIABOC officials placed him under arrest.
The investigation centres on allegations that five individuals were recruited to the National Lotteries Board on a contract basis outside approved recruitment procedures and were subsequently attached to Karunanayake’s personal staff.
Investigators said Karunanayake had previously been summoned on four occasions to appear before the commission but had failed to do so.
CIABOC officials also visited his residence on Rajamalwatta Road in Battaramulla two days ago as part of the investigation. However, he was not at home when officials arrived.
The inquiry has also led to legal action against other individuals. Former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Shyamila Perera was arrested in connection with the case and was later released on bail on June 30.
