Term of Presidential Commission probing Colombo MC corruption extended by six months

The government has extended the tenure of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities within the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) by a further six months.Accordingly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued the relevant Gazette notification authorizing the extension.The commission, which was established with effect from December 30 last year, was tasked with investigating and reporting on allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal misuse of public property and other related offenses said to have taken place within the CMC.Its term was due to expire tomorrow (29). However, the extension will allow the commission to continue its investigations and submit its final report by December 31.The inquiry covers alleged misconduct that is said to have occurred between 2010 and 2025.The commission comprises former High Court Judge Piyasena Ranasinghe, Chartered Accountant E. R. M. S. H. Ekanayake and former Senior Superintendent of Police D. S. Wickramasinghe as members of the Commission.According to the gazette notification, the Commission of Inquiry was appointed after numerous complaints and allegations were made pertaining to acts of corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation of property, deception and the misuse or abuse of power, authority, public resources and privileges, against persons who have held or continue to hold political office, as well as against persons who have served or continue to serve as public officers and officers of statutory bodies, and persons engaged in the provision of goods and services, in connection with all properties, including lands and buildings, belonging to the Colombo Municipal Council.The Commission has been empowered to conduct criminal or forensic investigations into the complaints and submit an interim report within three months.The President has directed the Commission to submit a report on a monthly basis after the initial interim report and also the final report containing the conclusions of the inquiries and investigations, and recommendations within six months from the date of appointment.