Chamara Sampath arrested by Bribery Commission

Former State Minister of Primary Industries Chamara Sampath Dasanayake was arrested today (October 12, 2026) over allegations of accepting bribes from gem businessmen and receiving money linked to phosphate exports.

Don Arthur Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, who is currently a Member of Parliament, was arrested at approximately 1:16 PM by investigating officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

According to the allegations, the former State Minister had demanded Rs. 1.2 million as a bribe from one of three gem businessmen and accepted Rs. 500,000 of that amount.

He is also accused of demanding Rs. 1 million from another gem businessman and accepting Rs. 200,000 from a third businessman.

Meanwhile, Dasanayake is accused of arranging for three selected companies to export phosphate through Lanka Phosphate Company without following proper procedures and assisting them in obtaining the necessary export permits.

In return, the three companies allegedly made payments of Rs. 5.9 million, Rs. 2.2 million and Rs. 300,000, respectively.

The money was deposited into the bank account of a person who served as Chamara Sampath Dasanayake’s private secretary and was allegedly used to fund Dasanayake’s political promotional activities.

UPDATE – 06:39 PM:

Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dasanayake has been remanded in custody until October 23, 2026.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after considering submissions made by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the lawyers representing the suspect.