A string of arrests involving public sector employees has uncovered alleged vehicle auction fraud and overseas job scams, intensifying concerns over abuse of public trust and organized financial deception in Sri Lanka.
Authorities have uncovered a series of alleged fraud operations involving individuals connected to state institutions, raising serious questions about accountability and governance. Investigators say these cases highlight how positions of trust within public sector institutions can be misused for personal gain. In one high profile case, the Central Crime Investigation Bureau arrested an Assistant Secretary attached to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government for allegedly defrauding a government doctor of Rs. 2.27 million. The suspect is accused of falsely promising to secure a vehicle through an official auction at the Colombo Port.
The arrest took place on February 19 at the suspect’s residence in Dehiwala. Investigations revealed that the alleged fraud occurred last year while she was serving at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation. According to investigators, the money was collected on the assurance that a vehicle could be obtained through a legitimate auction process. However, the vehicle was never delivered and the funds were not returned, prompting the victim to file a formal complaint after the suspect’s transfer to another ministry. The case has intensified scrutiny over internal oversight mechanisms within government departments.
The investigation was conducted under the supervision of senior police officials including Ranmal Kodithuwakku and Chandana Kodithuwakku. Financial crimes investigators gathered documentary and testimonial evidence that led to the arrest. The suspect is scheduled to be produced before court as legal proceedings continue under Sri Lanka’s criminal justice framework.
In a separate but similar incident, the Horana Special Crime Investigation Unit arrested a brother and sister employed by the Ceylon Electricity Board for allegedly defrauding a woman of Rs. 2.3 million by promising overseas employment. The suspects, aged 46 and 36 and residents of Colombo, were taken into custody following a complaint lodged by a woman from Ingiriya.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects had claimed they could arrange employment in Italy through a relative residing there. The complainant, who was known to the family, transferred funds into their bank accounts in 2025. Authorities say the promised job opportunity never materialized and the suspects allegedly attempted to evade further communication, leading to the complaint and subsequent arrests.
