Ex-Health Ministry Legal Chief Remanded Over Alleged Bribery in Lease Extension

A retired Chief Legal Officer of the Ministry of Health, Ahmad Riyas Ahmad, has been arrested and remanded until May 5, 2026, on corruption charges. The arrest was made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) following an investigation into a complaint. He is accused of demanding Rs. 4,134,887 as fees for drafting three lease agreements to extend the rental period of the Medi House building, which was leased to the Ministry. Reports indicate he had already received Rs. 2,000,000 and an additional Rs. 500,000 as a gratification from the private company owning the building. The arrest took place on Tuesday (April 21), with the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court issuing the remand order.