NWSDB Additional GM & 2 others remanded

2026-02-11 - 10:19

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered that 02 suspects, including National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Additional General Manager – Darshana Medawatta, who were arrested over alleged corruption charges, be remanded until Feb. 20. The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama after considering submissions made by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and counsel representing the suspects. The suspects were arrested and produced before the court on allegations of conspiring to commit corruption by granting an undue benefit to the NWSDB Chairman. According to the complaint, this involved obtaining a Toyota Prado on a rental basis despite the Chairman already having 02 official vehicles, allegedly causing a Rs. 12.75 million loss to the State. CIABOC officers informed the court that the Additional General Manager continues to serve at the NWSDB and that statements are yet to be recorded from 06 employees working under him. Accordingly, the investigators requested that the suspects be remanded, noting that granting bail could lead to possible interference with witnesses. Appearing on behalf of the Additional General Manager, President’s Counsel Nalinda Indatissa submitted that his client has completed 32 years of service at the NWSDB and is nearing retirement. He further argued that no complaint had been made alleging any attempt to influence witnesses, and accordingly sought bail. However, after considering the facts, the Magistrate ordered that the suspects be further remanded until Feb. 20.