MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake arrested by Bribery Commission over alleged phosphate export bribe
Regarding Chamara Sampath Dassanayake
What happened?
On 12 October 2026 the Bribery Commission (CIABOC) arrested Chamara Sampath Dassanayake after he gave a statement and was questioned for more than three hours. CIABOC alleges he solicited a Rs. 8.1 million bribe from three selected companies in return for helping them export phosphate without following proper procedures and obtain export licences.
Ada Derana reports he was produced before the Colombo Magistrate's Court. Onlanka reports his former private secretary was also arrested in the same investigation.
What changed?
This is a new case, separate from his earlier Uva Provincial Council matters. An arrest is not a charge or a finding of guilt, and the allegation is untested. The reports found do not state whether the court remanded him, granted bail or ordered detention.
What happens next?
No confirmed next step yet. The reports give no court order or next court date.
The case
People involved
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