Mohamed Hilmi, the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), has been remanded until December 09 over allegations that he pressured officials to select a favoured company outside the approved tender procedure. He remains a suspect, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Officers of the Commission arrested Hilmi to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after being summoned to provide a statement. He was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama on Monday (25), who ordered that he be held in remand custody while investigations continue. Currently is remanded until Dec. 9
Mohamed Hilmi, the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), has been remanded until December 09 over allegations that he pressured officials to select a favoured company outside the approved tender procedure. He remains a suspect, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Hilmi was arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after being summoned to provide a statement. He was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama on Monday (25), who ordered that he be held in remand custody while investigations continue.
Alleged pressure to select a preferred company
CIABOC investigators told the court that the alleged incident relates to a January 2024 training programme intended for SLBFE officials, focusing on external operational activities. Although the Bureau had a proper procurement unit, investigators claim that Hilmi allegedly bypassed it and attempted to channel the selection through the Human Resources Division.
According to the Bribery Commission, Hilmi allegedly pressured the Deputy General Manager to select JSF Holdings, a private company, for the training programme—despite the company not having been chosen through the formal tender process.
Investigators further noted that JSF Holdings had submitted a bid after the tender closing date, leading the Procurement Committee to reject it. CIABOC alleges that Hilmi then pressured officials to accept the late bid, contrary to standard procurement rules.
No evidence of personal bribe—different charge applied
CIABOC informed court that there is no evidence at this stage that Hilmi personally received any financial benefit. As a result, he is being investigated under the Public Property Act, on grounds of aiding and abetting an unlawful act, rather than accepting a bribe.
CIABOC opposes bail
The Bribery Commission objected to granting bail, arguing that releasing the suspect could hinder ongoing investigations and potentially influence officials involved in the case.
Defence cites cooperation and ill health
Appearing for Hilmi, President’s Counsel Nalinda Indatissa argued that his client had cooperated fully with investigators, stressing that Hilmi had not gained any personal financial benefit from the matter. He also noted that Hilmi has been suffering from a long-term medical condition since 2019 and requested bail under any conditions the court considered appropriate.
Court says special reasons not presented
The Chief Magistrate ruled that the defence had not presented the “special reasons” required under the Public Property Act to justify bail at this stage. Accordingly, Hilmi was ordered to be remanded until December 09, when CIABOC is expected to report further progress.
The case remains under investigation, and all allegations are yet to be tested in court.
Alleged pressure to select a preferred company
CIABOC investigators told court that the alleged incident relates to a January 2024 training programme intended for SLBFE officials, focusing on external operational activities. Although the Bureau had a proper procurement unit, investigators claim that Hilmi allegedly bypassed it and attempted to channel the selection through the Human Resources Division.
According to the Bribery Commission, Hilmi allegedly pressured the Deputy General Manager to select JSF Holdings, a private company, for the training programme—despite the company not having been chosen through the formal tender process.
Investigators further noted that JSF Holdings had submitted a bid after the tender closing date, leading the Procurement Committee to reject it. CIABOC alleges that Hilmi then pressured officials to accept the late bid, contrary to standard procurement rules.
No evidence of personal bribe—different charge applied
CIABOC informed court that there is no evidence at this stage that Hilmi personally received any financial benefit. As a result, he is being investigated under the Public Property Act, on grounds of aiding and abetting an unlawful act, rather than accepting a bribe.
CIABOC opposes bail
The Bribery Commission objected to granting bail, arguing that releasing the suspect could hinder ongoing investigations and potentially influence officials involved in the case.
Defence cites cooperation and ill health
Appearing for Hilmi, President’s Counsel Nalinda Indatissa argued that his client had cooperated fully with investigators, stressing that Hilmi had not gained any personal financial benefit from the matter. He also noted that Hilmi has been suffering from a long-term medical condition since 2019 and requested bail under any conditions the court considered appropriate.
Court says special reasons were not presented
The Chief Magistrate ruled that the defence had not presented the “special reasons” required under the Public Property Act to justify bail at this stage. Accordingly, Hilmi was ordered to be remanded until December 09, when CIABOC is expected to report further progress.
The case remains under investigation, and all allegations are yet to be tested in court.
