Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis issued an order yesterday (09) directing the remand of an assistant manager from the Ministry of State Security and Home Affairs until the 19th. The arrest followed allegations that the suspect attempted to solicit a bribe of 32,000 rupees from the owner of a vehicle repair company, tasked with repairing a cab belonging to the Ministry.
The accused, identified as Budhika, is alleged to have sought a 10% kickback, approximately 32,000 rupees, related to the repair payment for a cab belonging to the Ministry. The complainant, Rasika Deshani, owner of the vehicle repair company in Battaramulla, reported the incident to the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission, leading to the arrest.
During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that the company, in question, undertakes the repair of vehicles from both government and private institutions. A cab from the Ministry was brought to the repair company, and an amount of 312,750 rupees was charged for the repairs.
The court learned that after receiving the check for the repair, the assistant manager allegedly demanded the bribe from the complainant. The complainant, agreeing to the suspect’s request, arranged for a meeting to hand over the money, promptly notifying the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission.
Acting on the information provided by the complainant, the suspect was apprehended during the attempt to collect the money. The court, considering the evidence and circumstances, ordered the remand of the assistant manager until the 19th. Further legal proceedings will follow as the investigation progresses.
