Colombo, September 16, 2025 – The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested a housing development officer attached to the Galle office of the National Housing Development Authority on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe.
Complaint and Allegations
The arrest followed a complaint filed by a resident of Pitigala, who alleged that the officer had demanded a bribe of Rs. 50,000 in return for providing technical assistance and issuing a recommendation necessary for the release of a Rs. 1 million housing grant.
Investigations revealed that the complainant had received the first installment of Rs. 146,000 on August 19, 2025. At that time, the officer is alleged to have accepted Rs. 25,000 as an advance bribe. The balance was later demanded for facilitating the release of the remaining grant funds.
Arrest Operation
CIABOC officials conducted a surveillance operation and arrested the officer on September 15, 2025, at around 11:45 a.m. The arrest took place at the Development Division of the Niyagama Divisional Secretariat, where the suspect was allegedly accepting the second installment of the bribe.
Broader Context
The case underscores the continuing challenges of tackling corruption within public institutions in Sri Lanka. Housing grants, which are meant to provide critical assistance to low-income families, have increasingly come under scrutiny amid reports of mismanagement and irregular practices.
CIABOC confirmed that further investigations are underway and emphasized its commitment to prosecuting public officials engaged in corruption.
