Bribery probe in progress against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody; legal action if Commission decides

CIABOC Ranga Dissanayake said yesterday that he would institute legal action against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody

Decision to prosecute or not under the Bribery Act rests with the three-member Commission, not the Director General

He is also facing corruption complaints over misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs.8 million while serving at the Fertilizer Corporation in 2015

If the Commission decides to file a case against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, it will be the first case under the NPP to face bribery charges

Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake said yesterday that he would institute legal action against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody over charges against him, depending on the Commission’s conclusion.   

He told the media yesterday that the decision to prosecute or not under the Bribery Act rests with the three-member Commission, not the Director General.   

Asked about the priority given to investigations into allegations against Mr. Jayakody, he said, “It is questionable how information was leaked to the press before things were finalized. It is unlawful to share information with the media in this manner. That is also a matter now to be investigated. It will trigger a problem if journalists are asked to divulge how they got information. 

This case against Mr. Jayakody is pending with the Commission. It has sought legal advice. The Commission may decide to take legal action against him or not. I do not know it. If the Commission decides, I will file indictments against him,” he said.   

Earlier, it was reported that the CIABOC was preparing to file action against Energy Minister Jayakody over allegations of misappropriation of funds during his tenure at the Fertlizer Corporation in 2015. If the Commission decides to file a case against Kumara Jayakody, it will be the first case under the NPP to face bribery charges.   

He is facing corruption complaints over misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs.8 million while serving at the Fertilizer Corporation in 2015.