Ex-land official arrested over Rs. 1.59 b Borella State land

Wednesday, 30 September 2026 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday arrested a former Commissioner (Investigations) of the Department of Land Title Settlement over the alleged unlawful transfer of State-owned land valued at about Rs. 1.59 billion.

The former official is accused of abusing his position by using departmental letterheads to prepare and issue an unauthorised investigation report under an irregular investigation number. The report allegedly identified a 1.0982-hectare (about 2.7-acre) plot of State land at Assessment No. 30, Elliot Place, Borella, as private property.

CIABOC said the alleged act caused a significant financial loss to the State and conferred an unlawful benefit on a private party, and constitutes an offence of corruption under the relevant legislation.

The suspect was to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.