November 10, Colombo (LNW): Former National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga has been arrested over allegations that he improperly used public money amounting to approximately Rs. 14.8 million to secure personal services, according to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The allegations centre on claims that resources belonging to the state institution were used to meet private security and transportation requirements, with the resulting expenses allegedly charged to public funds.
According to the Bribery Commission, approximately Rs. 5.8 million was paid by the NWSDB to a private company for the services of two security officers assigned to Ranatunga’s personal residence, despite there being no legal entitlement to such facilities.
Investigators have also accused the former chairman of arranging for two drivers to be employed for his personal requirements, with their salaries and related expenses allegedly covered using approximately Rs. 9 million drawn from funds allocated for water supply development projects.
The Commission maintains that these arrangements resulted in an estimated Rs. 14.8 million loss to the Government while providing the former official with benefits that he was not legally entitled to receive.
CIABOC officers took Ranatunga into custody at approximately 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday (10) in connection with the alleged financial misconduct.
Following his arrest, he was presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, where Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama considered the matter and granted him bail.
The court ordered his release on a cash bail of Rs. 75,000, together with two personal surety bonds valued at Rs. 1 million each.
An overseas travel restriction was also imposed on the former NWSDB chairman as part of the bail conditions.
The investigation concerns the alleged misuse of institutional funds for private purposes, with the Bribery Commission continuing its efforts to address suspected corruption and financial irregularities involving public resources.