Shan remanded due to 16.5 million chair scam

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday (10) ordered the remand of former Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal De Silva, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on charges of misusing 16.5 million rupees by violating the government procurement process, until the 12th.

This investigation is being carried out against him for committing the offense of corruption by misappropriating government funds, specifically by purchasing chairs from a private institution in 2019 while serving as the Chief Minister of the Southern Province, deviating from proper procurement procedures, and then distributing those chairs among 54 members of the Southern Provincial Council.

Rejecting the bail application submitted on behalf of the suspect former Chief Minister, who was presented before the court, the Magistrate issued this remand order, and also granted permission for the suspect to keep relevant medications in his possession if he is suffering from any medical condition.