President's fmr Chief of Staff, fmr STC Chairman re-remanded

9 May 2018 10:37 am

President’s former Chief of Staff I. H. K. Mahanama and former State Timber Corporation (STC) Chairman P. Dissanayaka, who were in remanded custody over accepting a bribe of Rs. 20 million, were further remanded till May 22 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala today.

Officials of the the Bribery Commission had arrested Dr. Mahanama and Mr. Dissanayake while accepting a bribe of Rs.20 million from an Indian businessman on May 3. They were later remanded till today.

The suspects had allegedly solicited a bribe of Rs.540 million from the businessman promising that they would provide him with the approval needed to obtain machinery and building space for business purposes. However, after negotiations were held between the two parties, it was decided to reduce the asking price to Rs.100 million.(Farook Thajudeen)