Former Southern Province CM’s Secretary arrested in Rs. 16.5 Mn corruption probe

Colombo, June 15 (Daily Mirror) - A private secretary to former Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal De Silva was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations of causing a financial loss of Rs. 16.5 million to the State through a procurement-related corruption offense.

According to CIABOC, the suspect is accused of bypassing established procurement procedures while serving under the Southern Province Chief Ministry to facilitate the selection of a particular manufacturing company for the supply of chairs intended for public volunteer societies, thereby granting an undue advantage to the supplier.

Investigations revealed that 16,361 chairs purchased through the Southern Province Development Authority were subsequently transported and delivered to the residences or offices of 54 Provincial Council members across the Southern Province’s three districts.

The Bribery Commission stated that the irregular procurement process resulted in a loss of Rs. 16.5 million to the government.

The suspect is due to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings.