Former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga Faces Corruption Charges
Colombo, Sri Lanka – Prasanna Ranatunga, who previously served as Sri Lanka's Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, was arrested on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). He was subsequently granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate's Court following his appearance. The arrest is connected to allegations of corruption that reportedly occurred during his ministerial tenure in 2021.
Allegations of Financial Irregularity
The core of the allegations revolves around a financial irregularity concerning the procurement of medical insurance for employees of four institutions operating under the Ministry of Tourism in 2021. According to CIABOC, the insurance coverage could have been obtained directly from the state-owned Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) without incurring additional costs.
However, investigations indicate that Ranatunga allegedly intervened to unlawfully appoint a private brokerage firm, My Insurance Brokers, as an intermediary. This arrangement reportedly led to the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation paying a commission of approximately Rs. 4,750,828.72 to the private firm. This action is said to have resulted in an undue financial benefit for the private broker and a corresponding loss to the state insurer.
The institutions for which the insurance was procured include:
- Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
- Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
- Sri Lanka Institute of Hotel Management (also referred to as Hotel Management Institute)
- Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama of the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court granted bail to Prasanna Ranatunga. The bail conditions include a cash bail of Rs. 100,000 and two sureties of Rs. 5 million each. Additionally, a travel ban has been imposed on the former minister, preventing him from leaving the country. The case has been scheduled for a further hearing on January 16.
CIABOC, established by Act No. 19 of 1994, is tasked with investigating allegations of bribery or corruption and directing the institution of prosecutions for such offenses in Sri Lanka.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
Why only him? There are bigger fish to fry. This feels targeted.
Leonardo
The details about the private brokerage firm seem damning, yet the justice system moves slowly, and a quick conviction is unlikely. This case highlights the persistent struggle between fighting corruption and ensuring fair trials.
Michelangelo
Holding former ministers accountable is crucial for public trust, but we must also consider the political climate surrounding such arrests. It's essential that the investigation remains independent and free from political influence.
Donatello
The public deserves to know if state funds were misused, and the arrest is a positive sign of transparency. However, the travel ban and bail conditions also highlight the lengthy and complex nature of these high-profile cases.
Michelangelo
Good to see CIABOC actually doing its job. No one should be above the law.