Corruption crackdown: Nearly 50 former ministers, officials to be arrested in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan authorities are preparing to apprehend close to 50 high-ranking individuals, including former parliament members, politicians, their relatives, and senior government officials, before the end of the year. This move follows accelerated investigations by the Bribery or Corruption Investigations Commission, the Criminal Investigation Department, and other police units into alleged corruption and financial misconduct.

Initial findings from these probes suggest that the country has lost over 50 billion rupees (approximately $150 million USD) due to the alleged corrupt dealings and irregularities. This intensified crackdown comes as nearly twenty politicians, including former ministers, are already imprisoned and serving sentences for various corruption charges.

To prevent further flight of suspects, investigative bodies have reportedly taken steps to monitor politicians and senior officials facing various accusations. Special surveillance teams are also said to be deployed to keep watch on these individuals. Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, confirmed that police investigations into politicians and others who have allegedly squandered public property are ongoing.

"The government's expectation is to uncover the facts regarding these corruptions and recover the money lost to the country," Dissanayake stated. Reports also indicate that several politicians who evaded legal proceedings due to technical issues are now subject to plans for re-prosecution after rectifying those technicalities. The government reportedly aims to conclude these significant investigations before the next critical elections.

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The government's expectation is to uncover the facts regarding these corruptions and recover the money lost to the country.