Ambalantota GSMB Engineer, driver in bribery net

The Regional mining engineer of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Regional office in Ambalantota and his driver were arrested by officers of the Bribery Commission while accepting a bribe of Rs. 350.000 on Thursday (5).

A businessman operating a sand mine in the area had complained to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) that the accused had demanded Rs. 500,000 to renew his mining permit and allow him to continue his business unhindered.

The culprits were nabbed while accepting an advance payment of Rs.350,000 and it has been revealed that the driver was to receive Rs. 150,000 for brokering the deal.

The accused were produced before the Hambanthota Magistrate’s Court yesterday (6).

It has been reported on more than one occasion that corrupt officials were turning a blind eye to the illegal sand mining operations which

was taking place in the Hambanthota District causing irrevocable environment damage as well as endangering the lives of the public. It is known that the racketeers were being protected by top politicians as Investigative journalist Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi who exposed the sand mining racket a few years ago was intimidated by an influentialpolitician.

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