Bribery Commission seeks re-detention of MP Chamara Sampath over alleged interference in corruption probe

Date:

May 16, Colombo (LNW): The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (16) requested the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court to cancel the bail granted to Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, and to have him remanded again, citing alleged interference with an ongoing investigation.

Dassanayake was previously granted bail on April 08 over allegations of financial misconduct dating back to 2016, during his tenure as a member of the Uva Provincial Council. He stands accused of misusing public funds and engaging in irregular financial activities during that period.

In a motion submitted to the court, CIABOC accused Dassanayake of attempting to influence the investigation through indirect means. According to the Commission, the MP—acting through his wife—had approached former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and requested that he hold a press conference to publicly comment on the case.

The Bribery Commission claims that during this media briefing, false and misleading statements were made that sought to exonerate the MP and cast doubt on the credibility of the investigation.

CIABOC argued that this conduct amounted to obstruction of justice and was an attempt to interfere with the legal process, thereby violating the conditions under which bail had been granted.

The matter has been scheduled for further hearing at 11:30 a.m. today before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali. The court will decide whether the new claims warrant the revocation of bail and a return to remand custody for the parliamentarian.

This case has gained political attention, given that Dassanayake remains an active MP representing the Badulla District. The allegation that a former President has been drawn into the matter as a potential enabler of interference adds a further layer of complexity and potential political ramifications.

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