The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has launched a probe into the alleged misuse of Mahapola scholarship funds.
The purported misappropriation is said to have occurred during the tenure of former Trade Minister Nalin Fernando, who is currently serving a prison sentence following his conviction on corruption charges.
According to sources, the Bribery Commission intends to record a statement from the former minister. However, Fernando has reportedly informed commission officials that he will provide a statement only after consulting his legal counsel. The Commission is therefore expected to seek a court order to obtain his testimony.
Under the Mahapola Scholarship Trust Fund Act, decisions regarding the administration of the fund must be made in consultation with the Chairman of the Trust Fund — a position held at the relevant time by the sitting Chief Justice. It has been alleged that the decisions in question were made without such consultation.
The inquiry is centered on the cancellation of a tender related to conducting the online lottery, which had previously been awarded by former Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena to another company.
