The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court has granted bail to two former Deputy Chief Secretaries of the Southern Provincial Council who were arrested by anti-corruption authorities in connection with an alleged procurement irregularity.

Two former Deputy Chief Secretaries of the Southern Provincial Council were arrested on 28 January by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and subsequently released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.

The arrests relate to an alleged procurement irregularity connected to the purchase of 408 armless plastic chairs from a private institution in Galle during 2019. According to CIABOC's investigations, the procurement process was reportedly conducted without obtaining approval from the then-serving Governor of the Southern Province.

The two suspects held the positions of Deputy Chief Secretary (Finance) and Deputy Chief Secretary (Planning and Operations) within the Southern Provincial Council Chief Secretary's Office at the time of the alleged incident. CIABOC is continuing its investigation into the matter.