Asset investigations into former ministers and officials accelerated

By The Pulseline News Desk

Investigations into the assets of nearly 30 influential former ministers and senior officials from previous administration have been expedited, according to reports quoting reliable sources.

The developments are said to relate to individuals who held key political and administrative positions between 2020 and 2024. Officials familiar with the matter indicate that several ongoing probes, initially handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), may be transferred to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for further inquiry and legal processing.

While no official public statement has yet confirmed the full scope of the investigations, the reported list of individuals includes several high-profile political figures who played central roles in recent governments. Among them are members of the Rajapaksa family and other senior cabinet ministers.

Those named in the reports include Chamal Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa, and Namal Rajapaksa, alongside former Prime Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. Other ministers reportedly under scrutiny include Kanchana Wijesekera, Manusha Nanayakkara, Johnston Fernando, and Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the specific allegations or confirmed whether formal charges will follow. However, sources have suggested that the focus of the investigations includes financial disclosures, asset accumulation, and potential discrepancies during their tenure in office.

The reported acceleration of these cases comes amid broader public calls for greater transparency and accountability in governance. Anti-corruption advocates have long urged for more rigorous examination of the financial conduct of public officials, particularly those who have held influential portfolios in recent administrations.

At present, the developments remain at the level of investigations, and none of the individuals named have been formally convicted of any wrongdoing in connection with these claims. Further updates are expected as the relevant investigative bodies proceed with their inquiries.