Former health ministry official further remanded over bribery

The former chief clerk of the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, who now operates the ministry canteen, is to remain in remand custody until April 21st.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thasanga S. Bodaragama issued this order today (6) following the suspect's arrest for allegedly accepting a Rs. 200 million bribe.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) apprehended the suspect, identified as Ukwattage Douglas of Bandaragama, within the ministry canteen premises.

Investigators informed the court that the suspect allegedly accepted the bribe via seven checks to facilitate the prompt payment of rent for a seven-story building leased by the Health Ministry since 2018.

The suspect previously served as the ministry's chief clerk and took over the canteen operations following his retirement.

CIABOC further detailed that while providing rental payment checks valued at approximately Rs. 50 million to the complainant, the suspect allegedly extorted payments in instalments of Rs. 2.5 million each.

These transactions, occurring throughout 2023, 2024, and 2025, were reportedly intended to ensure the rental checks were issued without delay.

Evidence indicates the suspect cashed these checks through third parties at various banks.

CIABOC requested continued detention, citing concerns that the suspect might influence these witnesses if released.

After considering the submissions and the ongoing nature of the investigation, the Chief Magistrate ordered the suspect to be remanded and directed CIABOC to report on the progress of the investigation at the next hearing.