August 31, Colombo (LNW): Former minister Ravi Karunanayake has been taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after appearing before investigators in connection with an ongoing inquiry.
Karunanayake arrived at the commission’s offices at around 8.15am after being instructed to report for questioning. He was questioned for several hours before investigators formally arrested him as part of the probe.
The case centres on allegations involving the recruitment of five people to the National Lotteries Board on contractual appointments that investigators say did not follow the organisation’s established recruitment procedures. The individuals were subsequently assigned to duties connected to the former minister’s personal staff.
Investigators say Karunanayake had previously been asked to appear before CIABOC on four occasions but failed to attend. The inquiry was also taken to his residence on Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla, two days before his arrest. Officials who visited the property said he was not present at the time.
The investigation has already led to action against another person connected to the alleged appointments. Former National Lotteries Board chairperson Shyamila Perera was arrested over the same matter and was subsequently released on bail on 30 June.