Chandrani Bandara indicted over 2019 appointments, granted bail

• She influenced the illegal appointment of several close associates to positions within her ministry during her tenure
• The accused had appointed H.M. Chandrawansa as Project Director of the Ministry of Dry Zone Development without following proper procedures
• the former Minister was ordered to be released on two sureties of one million rupees each

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Colombo High Court yesterday served an indictment on former Minister Chandrani Bandara over alleged irregular appointments made in 2019, during her tenure as Minister of Women and Child Affairs and Dry Zone Development.   

When the case was called before Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige, the former Minister was ordered to be released on two sureties of one million rupees each.   

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has filed an indictment against Chandrani Bandara under 11 charges, alleging that offences under Section 70 of the Bribery Act were committed between January 14 and January 31, 2019.   

The Bribery Commission alleges that the accused appointed H.M. Chandrawansa as Project Director of the Ministry of Dry Zone Development without following proper procedures, and that she influenced the illegal appointment of several close associates to positions within her ministry during her tenure.