Galle Principal Arrested Over Bribe for School Admissions, Later Granted Bail

A school principal in Galle has been arrested and subsequently released on bail for allegedly accepting bribes to facilitate school admissions. Ranjith Ponseka, principal of a prominent school in the Unawatuna/Rumassala area, was apprehended by Bribery Commission officers on September 8, 2026. He is accused of demanding Rs 6 lakh and receiving Rs 2.5 lakh to admit two children into Year 1 and Year 8 for the 2026 academic year, following a complaint by the children's mother. On September 16, 2026, the Colombo Chief Magistrate granted him bail, imposing a travel ban.