Sri Lanka’s anti corruption watchdog moves to indict Minister Kumara Jayakody over alleged tender related financial misappropriation dating back to his tenure at the Fertilizer Corporation.
Sri Lanka’s political landscape has been jolted by a decision from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to file an indictment in the High Court against current Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody. The case centers on an alleged financial fraud involving Rs. 8 million, reportedly linked to his time at the Fertilizer Corporation in 2015.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the charges stem from an alleged misappropriation connected to a tender process that was under scrutiny during the relevant period. At the time, Jayakody served as Chairman of the Tender Board responsible for awarding the contract in question. Investigators are examining whether proper procurement procedures were followed and whether public funds were misused.
The Minister had previously sought an opportunity for his legal team to present arguments before any formal indictment was filed. The Commission granted permission for written submissions, which were subsequently reviewed in detail. After evaluating the explanations provided, the anti corruption body concluded that sufficient grounds exist to proceed with legal action.
In addition to Jayakody, two other individuals are expected to face charges in the High Court over the same alleged Rs. 8 million financial misappropriation. Senior Commission officials have instructed officers to prepare the necessary charge sheets as the case moves into the judicial phase.
