Ravi Karunanayake
Member of Parliament, National List · United National Party (UNP)
Overview
- Status
- CHARGES PENDING
- Current Case
- Alleged offence under Section 70 of the Bribery Act involving three National Lotteries Board employees allegedly used for political activities while he was Finance Minister.
- Next Hearing
- 3 November 2026
- Last Verified
- 31 August 2026
The short version
Ravi Karunanayake is facing charges. Alleged offence under Section 70 of the Bribery Act involving three National Lotteries Board employees allegedly used for political activities while he was Finance Minister. Released on bail with two sureties of Rs.1 million each and a travel ban. Next scheduled hearing: 3 November 2026.
How did we get here?
- 3 November 2026Case 1
Next Hearing
(Next reported date in National Lotteries Board matter)
Court: Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court
- 9 September 2026Case 2
Hearing
(Continuation before the three-judge bench)
Court: Colombo High Court / Supreme Court
Sources (3)
Court cases
Alleged offence under Section 70 of the Bribery Act involving three National Lotteries Board employees allegedly used for political activities while he was Finance Minister.
What’s happened
Released on bail with two sureties of Rs.1 million each and a travel ban.
- Court
- Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court
- Next hearing / due
- 3 November 2026
Central Bank bond-related prosecution. In June 2026 the Supreme Court held that accused could be tried under the Public Property Act, allowing that aspect of the prosecution to proceed.
What’s happened
Separate from the 2026 NLB arrest.
- Court
- Colombo High Court / Supreme Court
- Next hearing / due
- 9 September 2026
Sources (3)
Political career
Ministerial positions
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
2001–2004
Minister of Finance
2015–2015
Minister of Finance
2015–2017
Minister of Foreign Affairs
2017–2017
Minister of Power, Energy and Business Development
2018–2019
Other political positions
Member of Parliament, National List
2024–?
Party history
DUNF-Lalith Front period is approximately 1989-1998.
Joined the UNP around the 1999-2000 transition; the audit uses 2000 as the safe bounded date. The 2024 NDF electoral vehicle does not by itself establish a UNP resignation.