Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission has brought serious corruption charges against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, alleging that a controversial procurement decision during his tenure at Lanka Fertilizer Company caused a government loss exceeding Rs. 8.85 million.
Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has filed an indictment against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody before the Colombo High Court, marking a significant legal development in a case linked to alleged procurement irregularities.
According to the charges presented by the Bribery Commission, the incident dates back to 2016 when Jayakody served as the Procurement Manager of the state owned Lanka Fertilizer Company. Investigators claim that procurement activities carried out under his supervision resulted in financial damage to the government.
The case centers on a controversial procurement decision related to carpeting work at a warehouse facility operated by the fertilizer company. Authorities allege that the procurement process was conducted in a manner that favored a private contractor rather than ensuring a transparent and competitive tender procedure.
Under Section 70 of the Bribery or Corruption Act, Jayakody has been charged with committing an act of corruption connected to public procurement.
The Commission further claims that the irregular procurement decision caused a financial loss of Rs. 8,859,708 to the government.
