Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe is under fire after civil society groups lodged a formal complaint with Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission. They allege a multi-billion-rupee fraud in salt imports, accusing the government of inflating prices and exploiting consumers amid a national cost-of-living crisis.
A serious bribery complaint has been filed against Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today (June 30), amid allegations of a massive salt import fraud in Sri Lanka.
Several civil society organizations jointly submitted the complaint, accusing the minister and his associates of being involved in a multi-billion rupee scam linked to salt imports.
According to their claims, a kilogram of salt imported at around Rs. 75 is now being sold to consumers for as high as Rs. 320 in the local market.
The groups argue that the steep price hike cannot be justified and is a clear indication that a large-scale financial fraud has taken place under the guise of imports.
Representatives of these organizations have urged the Bribery Commission to urgently investigate the financial discrepancies, hold those responsible accountable, and take necessary legal action.
The development adds to growing public scrutiny over government transparency and corruption in essential commodity imports, especially at a time when many Sri Lankan families are struggling with rising food prices and inflation.
I am pleased the civil organisation challenging the minister. Where were these organization when economy was falling like roller coaster. If conspirators then is behind these organizations shame on them and media. In the context of diabolism including the media is effected by devils.