Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
Former NSB Chairman Kariyawasam Arrested in Corruption Probe
Pradeep Kariyawasam, former chairman of the National Savings Bank, has been taken into custody by Sri Lanka's anti-corruption watchdog. The arrest is linked to an investigation into financial irregularities involving accounts connected to the family of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested Kariyawasam as part of a widening inquiry into suspicious banking transactions. The investigation centres on the 'Siriliya Saviya' account, which has been linked to Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of the former president.
Kariyawasam, who is married to former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, held the position of NSB chairman during a period now under official scrutiny. His detention marks a significant development in the anti-corruption campaign that has intensified following political changes in the country.
The CIABOC has not yet released further details regarding the specific allegations against Kariyawasam or the scope of his potential involvement in the financial irregularities under investigation. His arrest adds to mounting pressure on individuals connected to the previous administration as authorities examine transactions conducted through state-owned financial institutions.
The inquiry into the 'Siriliya Saviya' account represents part of a broader effort to investigate alleged financial misconduct spanning multiple years. Authorities have indicated that investigations remain ongoing and further arrests may follow.