Ex-Moratuwa Mayor Arrested Over Contract Scandal

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested Saman Lal Fernando, the former Mayor of the Moratuwa Municipal Council, in connection with a corruption case dating back to 2013.

The arrest follows an investigation into alleged irregularities during the implementation of a road development programme covering urban, internal, and rural roads. 

According to CIABOC, the former mayor is accused of awarding 112 contracts to 12 community-based organizations based on personal preference, bypassing standard procurement procedures.

Further allegations include the misappropriation of public funds, where payments were made to parties other than those contractually bound, in violation of financial regulations.

The commission also cited unlawful interference and undue influence in the execution of the projects as part of the charges.

The suspect was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, and legal proceedings are now underway.