Committee appointed to investigate corruption at Ports Authority

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Arjuna Ranatunga, yesterday said that the ministry had decided to appoint a committee headed by President’s Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetty to probe potential fraud and corruption at the Ports Authority. 

Ranatunga said that the committee would look into whether any fraud or corruption had occurred during the purchase of machinery and other equipment such as cranes and forklifts. It will submit a full report on its findings within three months.

He said the move was delayed because the ministry had wanted to study the inner workings of the Ports Authority.

Ranatunga said that Ports Authority trade unions had assured him that they would support the investigations and provide him with relevant documents. He said that the report would be handed over to the President, Prime Minister and Attorney General’s Department. He added that it would also be handed over to the Bribery Commission if necessary.