A Presidential Commission of Inquiry has formally begun proceedings to investigate widespread allegations of corruption, fraud, and abuse of power at the Colombo Municipal Council over a 15-year period.
Established by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the Commissions of Inquiry Act of 1948, the commission will examine alleged wrongdoing from 2010 to 2025. Its mandate covers criminal breach of trust, misuse of state resources, unlawful recruitments, procurement irregularities, improper leasing of state property, and legal settlements carried out outside established procedures, with a view to assessing the total loss to state revenue.
The commission is chaired by former High Court Judge and Attorney-at-Law Piyasena Ranasinghe, with members E.R.M.S.H. Ekanayake of the Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service and retired Senior Superintendent of Police D.S. Wickramasinghe. Based at No. 152, Galle Road, Colombo 03, the panel is authorised to investigate current and former political officeholders, public servants, and relevant private institutions.
An interim report is due to be submitted to the Secretary to the President within three months, while the final report, including recommendations for legal and administrative action as well as proposals for systemic reforms, is expected within six months.
The commission has invited members of the public and organisations to submit written complaints in Sinhala, Tamil, or English. Submissions must include the complainant’s identification and contact details, although requests for anonymity may be considered. The deadline for written complaints and the scheduling of oral evidence is 23 February 2026.
