Former Minister S. M. Chandrasena was arrested yesterday (July 4) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges related to the misuse of public resources for political gain. He was subsequently remanded until July 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate.
Chandrasena was taken into custody after appearing before CIABOC to record a statement regarding an ongoing investigation. In an official statement issued following the arrest, CIABOC revealed that the charges pertain to the unlawful distribution of maize seeds to political allies in the lead-up to the 2015 Presidential Election, causing a financial loss to the Government.
According to the investigation, Chandrasena allegedly pressured the Planning Director and other officials at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat to divert government maize seed stocks for distribution among his political supporters, in an effort to influence voter support during the election.
CIABOC officials produced Chandrasena before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, which ordered his remand custody until July 18 as inquiries continue.
This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for election-related corruption and abuse of state resources.
