Court Extends Remand in Ditwah Aid Bribe Case

COLOMBO (News1st); A government official accused of soliciting a bribe from a woman affected by Cyclone Ditwah has been further remanded until June 9, following his presentation before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today.

The suspect, an officer attached to the Disaster Relief Services at the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat, was produced before Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, who ordered his continued remand custody as investigations into the case remain ongoing.

According to submissions made before court by investigating officers, the suspect had been arrested over allegations that he demanded a sum of Rs. 100,000/- from a woman whose house was destroyed during the cyclone.

The payment was allegedly solicited in return for facilitating compensation related to her loss.

Representing the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, an officer informed court that the government had already granted the complainant Rs. 2 million as compensation for her damaged residence. It was further stated that the suspect had requested the bribe in exchange for expediting or handling the related administrative procedures.

The Bribery Commission also informed court that investigations into the matter are yet to be concluded, noting that statements from several additional individuals still need to be recorded as part of the inquiry.

Counsel appearing for the suspect challenged the allegations, claiming that the complaint was fabricated.

The defence argued that the complainant had initially expected a compensation amount of Rs. 5 million and, upon not receiving it, had filed a false complaint against his client out of dissatisfaction.

After considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate instructed the Bribery Commission to expedite the investigation and submit a report to court detailing the nature of the suspect’s official duties at the next hearing date.