Nishantha arrested for misusing a Water Board Prado during the chairman's tenure.

Mr. Nishantha Ranatunga, former Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The main reason for this arrest, which took place today (10), is the allegations of misuse of government funds and financial corruption.

Despite having two official vehicles provided by the government for his use during 2020, he faces a serious allegation of illegally obtaining another luxury jeep on a rental basis. According to investigations, he obtained a Toyota Prado type jeep in this manner by using contract funds belonging to the "Kandy North - Pathadumbara Integrated Water Supply Project."

Due to this alleged act committed during his tenure as Chairman of the Water Supply Board, both the government and the relevant board have incurred a significant financial loss. Investigations have revealed that over 12.75 million rupees from project funds were illegally paid solely for the rental of the luxury vehicle.

This financial irregularity is not an isolated incident, and the commission alleges that it was a planned act. On charges of conspiring in this corrupt act, a former Additional General Manager, a retired General Manager, and a businessman of the Water Supply Board were also previously arrested and produced before the court.

The arrest of Mr. Nishantha Ranatunga is considered another step in the broader anti-corruption program being implemented in Sri Lanka against those who misuse state resources.