Colombo, June 30 — Shyamila Perera, General Secretary of the New Democratic Front (NDF) and former Chairperson of the National Lotteries Board (NLB), was arrested on Monday by Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption watchdog over allegations of financial misconduct during her tenure at the state institution.
During the last General Election, UNP contested under the banner of New Democratic Front (NDF).
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) took Perera into custody in connection with accusations that she misused public funds through irregular appointments made while heading the NLB.
Allegations tied to irregular recruitment
According to investigators, the case centres on the recruitment of three individuals to the National Lotteries Board on a contract basis, outside approved procedures and without sanctioned vacancies.
The appointments included two coordinating officers and one management assistant—positions that were either not part of the approved staff structure or had no existing vacancies at the time.
Authorities allege that, instead of performing duties within the NLB, these individuals were deployed to the personal staff of then Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.
Investigators further state that although these recruits received salaries and allowances from NLB funds, they did not provide any service to the institution, resulting in a financial loss to the state.
Arrest and court proceedings
Perera was arrested on June 30 and produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court following her detention by the Bribery Commission.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered her release on bail, setting two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million each. The court also imposed a travel ban, directed her to surrender her passport, and instructed her not to interfere with witnesses.
Political implications
Perera’s arrest has drawn attention due to her prominent political role within the NDF, a party represented in Parliament and linked to the political bloc led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The case also carries wider political significance as it involves actions connected to Ravi Karunanayake, a senior parliamentarian and former finance minister, who continues to play an active role in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
Background on Ravi Karunanayake
Ravi Karunanayake is a veteran Sri Lankan politician who has held several senior portfolios, including Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2017 and later Minister of Foreign Affairs.
His career, however, has been marked by controversy. He has been implicated in the high-profile Central Bank treasury bond scandal of 2015–2016, widely regarded as one of the country’s most serious financial controversies involving alleged misuse of public funds. Additionally, he has faced bribery allegations linked to claims that benefits, including accommodation, were provided to him by a businessman connected to the bond market.
Legal proceedings related to these matters have continued over several years, contributing to public debate about accountability and governance in Sri Lanka’s political system.
Wider anti-corruption push
Perera’s arrest comes amid what observers describe as a renewed push by Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission to pursue cases involving alleged misconduct in public office.
The detention of a former head of a major state institution is likely to intensify scrutiny of public sector governance and political influence in administrative decisions.
What happens next
Although released on bail, Perera remains under investigation, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming months. Authorities are examining the full extent of the alleged financial impact and the circumstances surrounding the appointments under scrutiny.
If proven in court, the charges could carry significant legal consequences and potentially widen the scope of the investigation to include other individuals linked to the case.