Nuwara Eliya Divisional Council Chairman arrested by the Bribery Commission

Mr. Velu Yogaraj, representing the Ceylon Workers' Congress, who was recently elected as the Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha, was arrested this morning (07) by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The Commission further announced that the Chairman was arrested around 9:10 AM today on charges of committing the offense of corruption.

This accusation against him stems from an alleged illegal act committed in 2021. It has been revealed that the prescribed procedure of the Urban Development Authority Act No. 41 of 1978, which must be followed when issuing permits for development activities within the Pradeshiya Sabha area, was violated. Accordingly, investigating officers point out that he committed this offense by approving a construction plan for a government-owned land located in Grama Niladhari Division No. 476/L Magoda, thereby providing an undue advantage to the relevant applicant.

Mr. Velu Yogaraj, who was thus arrested, was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha, which consists of 24 members, in a recent election. This council comprises members representing several parties, including the National People's Power, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Ceylon Workers' Congress, United National Party, and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. Ms. Hewage Asha Dilrukshi Fonseka of the National People's Power has been elected as its Deputy Chairperson.

The Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha, arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.