Government's action against top officials alleged of bribery is a positive sign - HR Commissioner

Fri, May 4, 2018, 11:07 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

May 04, Colombo: The prompt action taken by the government on the bribery case against two top officials is a positive sign Dr Prathibha Mahanamahewa, Commissioner of Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission said today.

He praised the government for arresting the Chief of Staff to the President H.I. Mahanama and the Chairman of the Timber Corporation, P. Dissanayake who are alleged of accepting a bribe from an Indian businessman with regards to a deal involving the sale of machines and equipment belonging to the Kantale Sugar Factory.

Dr. Mahanamahewa said the government should be commended for implementing the law disregarding the status of the officials especially that of Mr. Mahanama, who is directly involved in the President's office as the Chief of Staff.

He pointed out that during the previous regime, several allegations have been leveled against the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath but the Rajapaksa government did not take any action.

Dr. Mahanamahewa said all corrupt individuals in this government and the previous government should be brought to justice and punished.

According to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) the suspects had promised to sell the machines and equipment at Rs 540 million to an Indian national.
However, on a request made by the Indian national to reduce the price, the suspects had reduced the price to Rs 100 million demanding a Rs. 20 million bribe.


Dr. Mahanamahewa said the two officials are alleged of canceling a tender for the deal instead of awarding it to a local company which was the highest bidder.