The Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission has commenced investigations into an extravagant mid-sea party organized by State Minister of Ports, Mr. Premalal Jayasekara, for the Ministers of Pohottuwa, utilizing two vessels within the port. This move follows a complaint lodged by port trade unions to the commission this afternoon.
The controversy gained momentum after media reports exposed the minister’s recent hosting of such an event, prompting strong objections from opposition leader Mr. Sajith Premadasa in parliament. JVP leader Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake also voiced his protest against the incident during parliamentary discussions.
In response, both the Minister and Deputy Ministers of the government insisted that the gathering was not a party but rather an educational trip.
The Bribery Commission, recently bolstered with the appointment of a new chairman and two members, now comprises Mr. Neil Iddawala, a Judge of the Court of Appeal, as its chairman, along with experienced banker Chethia Gunasekara and R. B. Mr. Rajapaksa as its members.
