Fmr. CPC Chairman Dhammika Ranatunga to be indicted

By Bhagya Silva   

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today informed the Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya that steps have been taken to file indictments within this week against former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Dhammika Ranatunga, in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption. Appearing on behalf of CIABOC, Assistant Director of Legal Anusha Sambandapperuma informed court that indictments against the suspect would be filed within this week and that the suspect has already been informed in this regard. Counsel Manuja de Silva, appearing for the suspect, requested court to temporarily lift the overseas travel ban imposed on his client.   

After considering the submissions, the Additional Magistrate postponed consideration of the request to lift the travel ban till January 22.   The case relates to allegations that the cancellation of three long-term tenders for the purchase of fuel for the CPC and the subsequent procurement of fuel through spot tenders at higher prices caused a loss of nearly Rs. 800 million to the CPC during the period 2017–2018.