Political activist and former private secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sugeeshwara Bandara, has been remanded until July 1 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
Bandara was arrested earlier today (18) in connection with an investigation into allegations that he received salaries from two government institutions simultaneously, resulting in the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The case stems from a complaint submitted by the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) regarding an alleged financial irregularity under the President’s Expenditure Head.
Investigations have reportedly revealed that Bandara served as a private secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 while also holding the position of Project Director at the Presidential Secretariat during the same period.
Authorities allege that he received salaries for both positions concurrently, prompting his arrest in the Kollupitiya area on Wednesday.
The Police Media Division stated that investigators are also examining allegations relating to the misuse of government vehicles and the use of state employees for political activities while Bandara held the relevant positions.
Further investigations are ongoing.
