Former minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on Wednesday morning to record a statement.
Neither Ada Derana nor Hiru News, which both reported the appearance, stated which investigation the statement relates to, and CIABOC has not issued a public statement on the matter.
Background
CIABOC opened an investigation in July into allegations that Kariyawasam, a former General Secretary of the United National Party, committed an offence of corruption by recruiting employees to the Presidential Secretariat and deploying them for his personal and political activities. The inquiry is being conducted under provisions of the Bribery Act covering the misuse of public servants for private or political purposes.
He was summoned to appear before the Commission on July 21 for further questioning in that investigation. The Commission said at the time that he had not appeared by that afternoon and had not given any reason for his absence, the Daily Mirror reported.
It has not been confirmed that Wednesday’s appearance relates to that investigation rather than to a separate matter. The allegations have not been tested in court and no charges have been filed.
Sources: Ada Derana, Hiru News.
