Arumakutti Manula Chamal Perera, a Director of Administration and Human Resource Management at the National Youth Services Council, was arrested this afternoon (04) by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
He is accused of misusing public funds and causing a loss of Rs. 5.1 million to the government.
The Ampara land transaction
The incident concerns a transaction involving a plot of land and a building located in Samapura village in the Ampara District. Investigating officers informed the court that the suspect had acted to secure the property for the National Youth Services Council through a sub-lease agreement, portraying it as state land.
It was also revealed that a sum of Rs. 3.8 million had been improperly paid to a third party, while another Rs. 1.3 million had been paid for building renovations without board approval, resulting in a total loss of Rs. 5.1 million.
Barred from entering office
The suspect was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, who ordered him released on two personal bails of Rs. 1 million each. A travel ban was also imposed on him.
Since the suspect is still serving in the post, the Magistrate strictly barred him from entering the head office of the National Youth Services Council until the next court date.
What happens next?
The case is scheduled to be called again on January 20.
