January 23, Colombo (LNW): Former Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and his wife were taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) late last night, following allegations of financial misconduct.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manatunga, the couple’s arrest is linked to accusations of misappropriating Rs. 6.1 million in public funds in 2014.
The charges relate to the alleged diversion of funds that were originally allocated for flood relief efforts in the areas of Bingiriya and Narammala.
Instead of being used for the intended humanitarian purpose, the funds, totalling Rs. 6,146,110, were allegedly redirected to support election campaign activities during the 2015 Presidential Election.
The incident has been classified as a case of criminal misuse of public funds, with the CID conducting an extensive investigation into the matter.
Following consultations with the Attorney General, the decision was made to arrest the former Minister and his wife.
The investigation into this matter is still ongoing, and the couple is expected to be presented before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court later today.
