The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has intensified its probe into the infamous sugar tax fraud case, requesting the personal mobile phones and official landline numbers of presidential secretaries by October 13, 2022. This comes two years after the first complaint was lodged with the CID regarding the alleged large-scale scam.
CID Director Senior Superintendent of Police Mangala Dehideniya stated that the mobile numbers are essential for the Financial and Commercial Crime Investigation Division to gather additional evidence and clarify the involvement of key figures in the alleged fraud. The initial complaint regarding the sugar tax fraud was filed on July 21, 2022, which led to preliminary investigations at that time.
Under the new administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a second complaint was formally submitted on October 9, prompting a renewed effort in the investigation. An anonymous high-ranking official from the CID revealed that some aspects of the earlier investigation had been stalled, but with the recent complaint, a comprehensive inquiry is now back on track.
“We need to investigate whether the officer responsible for tax revisions received any benefit from the concerned supplier,” the official explained. This statement highlights the CID’s commitment to uncovering any potential misconduct or corruption within the ranks of government officials.
The sugar tax scandal has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka’s tax administration. The CID’s latest actions signal a determined effort to hold those involved in the alleged fraud accountable. As the investigation unfolds, public scrutiny is likely to increase, reflecting a growing demand for integrity in government operations.
The CID’s renewed investigation may also impact the broader political landscape, as allegations of corruption continue to plague various administrations. Observers are keenly watching how the authorities handle this sensitive issue, as the ramifications could extend beyond the individuals directly implicated in the fraud.
