Former Water Board Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga arrested and granted bail on corruption charges

Summarised by AI from 15 articles

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption arrested former National Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga on 10 November 2026 over corruption charges.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama granted Ranatunga bail on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each and banned foreign travel. Hiru News and News 1st reported that the court also required Rs. 75,000 in cash bail.

The Magistrate fixed the case to be called on 19 January.

The Bribery Commission accused Ranatunga of using board and project funds to deploy security officers to his private residence and engage personal drivers. Hiru News reported a state loss exceeding Rs. 14 million, while News 1st cited losses of about Rs. 5.8 million for security and Rs. 9 million for drivers.

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