Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake has finally appeared before Sri Lanka's anti-corruption authority following repeated failed summons. He is under investigation for irregularities in recruitment procedures at the National Lotteries Board.
Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on August 31st to provide a statement in an ongoing investigation. According to NewsFirst, this appearance came after Karunanayake had failed to present himself on four previous occasions when summoned by the Commission.
The investigation centers on the recruitment of employees to the National Lotteries Board through irregular procedures. NewsFirst reports that five officers were hired on a contract basis outside approved procedures and attached to Karunanayake's personal staff. Ada Derana sources indicate that three employees recruited for a special NLB project were subsequently deployed for political activities, resulting in alleged financial losses to the government.
Karunanayake's legal representatives had previously requested an alternative appearance date, citing his involvement in arrangements for his daughter's wedding. Following his failure to appear at his residence during an unannounced CIABOC search on August 29th, his lawyers coordinated the rescheduled appearance for August 31st. CIABOC officers also conducted a search at his residence on Rajamalwatta Road in Battaramulla, though Karunanayake was not present at the time.