Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne has denied allegations that he benefited from a conflict of interest involving government digital infrastructure contracts awarded to companies in which he holds shares.
The accusations were raised in Parliament by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Prasad Siriwardhana, who claimed that two firms linked to Weeraratne — Omobio (Pvt) Ltd and Eimsky Business Solutions (Pvt) Ltd — had secured major technology contracts tied to national digital transport services and the Smart Highway Tolling System.
Siriwardhana said the projects included backend operations and payment processing systems under the Road Development Authority, arguing that the Digital Ministry’s oversight of such initiatives made the arrangements improper.
Weeraratne, responding in the House, acknowledged that he is a shareholder in both companies but said he no longer holds any management positions and previously stepped down as chairman.
He insisted the contracts were awarded years before he assumed office as deputy minister.
“If anyone claims these contracts were secured using my political position, that is completely false,” he said, rejecting the allegations of corruption.
The Deputy Minister added that upon taking office he directed the companies not to pursue new government-related work or apply for tenders to avoid any perception of impropriety.
Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera also commented on the matter, saying the allegations raised serious legal and ethical questions.
He cited past legal precedents in which members of Parliament lost their seats for holding financial interests in companies that conducted business with the government at the time of their nomination.
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