Ravi Karunanayake Fails To Appear Before CIABOC For Fourth Time

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake was summoned to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today in connection with an investigation into the recruitment of five officials to the National Lotteries Board on a contract basis, outside the approved procedure, and their subsequent attachment to his personal staff. 

Today was the fourth time he had been summoned before the Bribery Commission to provide a statement regarding the matter. 

On the previous three occasions, Karunanayake failed to appear before the Commission, citing various reasons.

He was first summoned by the Bribery Commission on 16th of July. 

When he was summoned again on July 30, Karunanayake informed the Commission that he could not appear because his daughter’s wedding was scheduled to take place.

He was also notified yesterday to appear before the Commission, but he informed officials that his lawyer was unable to attend on that day.

Although he was summoned again today, Karunanayake once again failed to appear before the Commission.

Accordingly, a team of Bribery Commission officials visited his residence along Rajamalwatta Road in Battaramulla this morning. 

However, as Ravi Karunanayake was not at home, the Bribery Commission officials subsequently left the premises.

The Bribery Commission said legal action would be taken against Karunanayake for repeatedly failing to appear before the Commission. 

Meanwhile, in connection with the same investigation, former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Sharmila Perera was arrested and enlarged on bail on June 30.

She was released on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each. after being produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.