The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has released details of the allegations against former State Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake following his arrest on Monday (Oct. 12).
According to the commission, the former state minister is accused of soliciting and accepting bribes from gem businessmen and allegedly receiving millions of rupees from companies involved in phosphate exports.
The commission said Dassanayake allegedly demanded Rs. 1.2 million from one gem businessman and accepted Rs. 500,000. He is also accused of demanding and receiving Rs. 1 million and Rs. 200,000, respectively, from two other gem businessmen.
In a separate allegation, the commission said three companies were selected to export phosphate through Lanka Phosphate Ltd. without following a proper procedure.
Dassanayake allegedly facilitated the export arrangements and assisted the companies in obtaining the necessary permits.
In return, the companies allegedly provided payments of Rs. 5.9 million, Rs. 2.2 million and Rs. 300,000, amounting to Rs. 8.4 million.
According to the commission, the money was deposited into the bank account of his former private secretary and allegedly used for Dassanayake’s political promotional activities.
The commission said the former state minister was arrested at approximately 1:16 p.m. on Monday.
Dassanayake was subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court and remanded until Oct. 23.
His former private secretary, Sumathipala Liyanarachchi, was also previously arrested in connection with the phosphate-related investigation and remanded. (Newswire)
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