President appoints 3-member committee to probe Taisei-linked bribery allegation

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to probe an allegation where a minister had demanded a bribe from Japan’s Taisei construction company.

Former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva had requested a formal investigation after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made the allegation in parliament and based on social media reports, the President’s media office said.

Though Premadasa did not mention the name of the minister, de Silva said Taisei was involved in a Colombo airport contract, and by implication the allegations were directed at him as he was at the time functioning as the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation.

The committee will be headed by Retired High Court Judge and President’s Counsel Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena. 

Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police S.M. Wickremasinghe, a retired Special Grade Officer of Sri Lanka Administrative Service S.M.G.K Perera will be the other two members.
Minister de Silva resigned after the allegation was made, denying any involvement.