The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to the General Manager of Lanka Salt Limited, Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Gunarathna, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over an alleged procurement-related irregularity.
The suspect was taken into custody on Thursday (19) and subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
After considering the submissions made before the court, Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered the release of the suspect on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 5 million each.
In addition to the bail conditions, the court imposed an overseas travel ban on the accused and directed him to surrender his passport to the court.
According to the Bribery Commission, the investigation relates to the procurement of packaging materials for the “Laklunu” salt brand produced by the Hambantota Salt Company.
Investigators allege that the procurement was carried out through a re-order process without adhering to the established procurement guidelines and procedures required for state institutions.
The Commission further claims that the alleged irregularity resulted in a financial loss of approximately Rs. 14.3 million to the government while providing an undue benefit to a supplier company.
The case forms part of a broader effort by anti-corruption authorities to examine procurement practices within state-owned enterprises and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.
Further investigations into the matter are continuing.
