Presidential Commission calls for public complaints on alleged CMC irregularities

Colombo, Colombo 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate alleged irregularities at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has begun calling for public complaints and information relating to the period from 2010 to 2025.

The Commission will examine allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, abuse or misuse of power, misuse of government resources and privileges, unlawful recruitments and appointments, violations of procurement guidelines, irregularities in the leasing or renting of movable and immovable properties, as well as legal actions and settlements carried out outside due process. It will also probe any serious losses or damage caused to State assets or revenue arising from such actions.

The Commission was appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in terms of Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act No. 17 of 1948 (Chapter 393), as amended, through Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2469/08 dated December 30, 2025. It is located at No. 152, Galle Road, Colombo 03.

The Commission is chaired by Attorney-at-Law Piyasena Ranasinghe, a former High Court Judge. Its members include E. R. M. S. H. Ekanayake of the Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service (Grade I) and D. S. Wickramasinghe, a former Senior Superintendent of Police.

According to its mandate, the Commission is empowered to call for and receive public complaints, information, and other relevant material concerning serious allegations against individuals who have held or continue to hold political office, public officials, officers of statutory bodies, service providers, as well as public or private institutions and individuals. The Commission may also investigate serious offences or wrongful acts that fall outside the specified time period or categories if deemed necessary.

The Commission is tasked with conducting prompt, impartial, and comprehensive investigations and making recommendations on action to be taken against those found responsible, as well as proposing measures to prevent the recurrence of such misconduct.

The Commission is required to submit its first interim report to the Secretary to the President within three months and its final report, including findings and recommendations, within six months.

Members of the public, institutions, and organizations are invited to submit written complaints or information in Sinhala, Tamil, or English to the Secretary of the Commission at No. 152, Galle Road, Colombo 03, on or before February 23, 2026. Submissions must include the complainant’s name, address, contact telephone numbers, and National Identity Card or passport number. Requests for anonymity may be made if desired.

Those wishing to make oral submissions may contact the Commission on 011 2 301 735 to arrange an appointment on or before February 23, 2026.