Renuka Perera, a senior SLPP member and former NTC chairman, has been remanded in custody until September 29 following his arrest by the Bribery Commission over allegations of irregularly issuing transport permits.
The Colombo Magistrate's Court has ordered the remand of Renuka Perera, former Chairman of the National Transport Commission, until September 29 on corruption charges. Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the remand order after hearing submissions from the Bribery Commission and Perera's legal representatives. Perera, identified as a senior member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), was produced before court following his arrest by the commission.
Investigating officers informed the court that Perera faces allegations relating to the issuance of 56 passenger transport permits for the Southern Expressway. According to court submissions, these permits were issued in violation of established procedures and without Cabinet approval. News First reports that the permits were issued outside legally prescribed procedures and without the collection of annual fees as a single payment as required by regulation.
The distribution of permits is central to the allegations. According to submissions presented to court, 30 of the 56 permits were allocated to Perera's committee, while 26 were distributed at his discretion to individuals selected by him. The Bribery Commission stated it is conducting ongoing investigations into the matter, with the remand period allowing authorities continued access to the suspect during the investigation phase.