15 Years of Secrets: CMC Faces Historic Corruption Probe

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and financial irregularities within the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

The sweeping probe will cover a 15-year period from 2010 to 2025, targeting systemic misconduct that has allegedly cost the state millions and derailed urban development projects.

The Commission, established under the Commissions of Inquiry Act No. 17 of 1948, will be chaired by former High Court Judge Piyasena Ranasinghe, alongside senior accountant E.R.M.S.H. Ekanayake and former Senior Superintendent of Police D.S. Wikramasinghe.

Their mandate includes investigating unlawful recruitments, illegal appointments, procurement violations, and irregularities in leasing or renting municipal properties.

The inquiry will also scrutinize misuse of state resources, privileges, and any acts of deception or criminal breach of trust linked to CMC operations.

According to the Extraordinary Gazette issued on December 30, the Commission is empowered to:

Call for public complaints and evidence related to corruption and fraud.

Conduct forensic and criminal investigations where necessary.

Identify individuals and institutions responsible for wrongdoing.

Recommend legal action, including referrals to the Bribery Commission, Police, and Attorney General for prosecution.

The Commission must submit its first interim report within three months, followed by monthly updates, and deliver a final report within six months. It will also propose measures to prevent future misconduct.