MP Ravi Karunanayake was arrested by the anti-corruption commission after appearing for questioning regarding an investigation into misuse of National Lotteries Board employees for political activities.
Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake was taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on March 31st following his appearance at the commission's office to provide a statement. He was subsequently brought before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court later that day.
The investigation centers on allegations that three employees hired for a special National Lotteries Board project were reassigned to carry out political activities, resulting in financial harm to the government. CIABOC had previously summoned Karunanayake to record a statement as part of the inquiry, but he initially failed to appear as instructed.
According to reports, CIABOC officials visited his residence to locate him, but he was not available at the time. His legal representatives subsequently requested a postponement of his appearance, citing personal commitments related to his daughter's wedding. Following this arrangement, Karunanayake presented himself before CIABOC on March 31st, at which point he was arrested and produced before the courts.