Former Minister and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake has been arrested today by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The arrest is in connection with an ongoing investigation regarding allegations that five individuals were recruited to the National Lotteries Board on a contract basis, deviating from approved recruitment procedures, and were subsequently attached to the former minister’s personal staff.
In response to a summons issued by investigative officers, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake arrived at the Bribery Commission at around 8:15 AM today.
Following several hours of questioning and recording a statement, he was arrested as part of the relevant investigation.
Investigative officers noted that Mr. Ravi Karunanayake had previously been notified to appear before the Bribery Commission on four occasions for the relevant investigation, but he had failed to appear before the commission during those instances.
Meanwhile, a team of Bribery Commission officers had also visited Mr. Ravi Karunanayake’s residence located on Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla, two days prior in connection with the investigation.
However, officers stated that he was not at home at that time.
Legal action has previously been taken against individuals during the investigation regarding the alleged recruitments made to the National Lotteries Board.
In connection with that investigation, former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Shamila Perera was also arrested and subsequently released on bail on June 30.