Former Minister Jagath Pushpakumara Arrested on Corruption Charges, Granted Bail

Former Cabinet Minister Jagath Pushpakumara was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today, July 8, at approximately 9:20 a.m. He faces allegations of corruption, specifically the misuse of state resources during election periods. The charges include directing state-owned plantation companies to print 250,000 posters and leaflets for government development projects during the 2014 Uva Provincial Council election, incurring a cost of Rs. 2,665,000. Following his appearance before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, Mr. Pushpakumara was granted bail on two surety bonds of Rs. 500,000 each. He previously held the portfolio of Minister of Coconut Development and Public Estate Development.