Sri Lankan MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake arrested over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Uva Province Chief Minister
Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, a prominent Sri Lankan politician and Member of Parliament representing the Badulla District, has recently been thrust into the spotlight due to his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). This development has reignited discussions about political accountability and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in Sri Lanka.
Arrest and Allegations
On March 27, 2025, CIABOC apprehended MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake over alleged financial irregularities dating back to his tenure as the Chief Minister of the Uva Province, approximately nine years ago. The charges include:
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Misappropriation of Funds: Allegedly obtaining LKR 2.5 million from two state banks intended for the Uva Provincial Council and redirecting these funds into his foundation’s account.
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Personal Gain: Accusations of personally receiving LKR 1 million from another state bank, funds that were meant for the Provincial Council.
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Financial Misconduct: After a bank manager refused his request for additional funds, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake purportedly withdrew all fixed deposits of the Provincial Council, resulting in a LKR 23 million loss to the government.
Following his arrest, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was remanded until April 1 in a separate bribery case, despite previously being granted bail in two other bribery cases.
Political Career and Background
Born on August 31, 1971, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake embarked on his political journey at the local level, serving as a Village Councillor in Ella, Uva Province. He later became a Provincial Councillor and ascended to the position of Chairman of the Uva Provincial Council. His political trajectory continued upward when he was appointed as the Chief Minister of Uva Province on September 15, 2015, a role he held until October 9, 2019.
In the 2020 parliamentary elections, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was elected as a Member of Parliament representing the Badulla District under the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), securing 66,393 preferential votes. His appointment as State Minister of Primary Industries by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on September 8, 2022, led to his suspension from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) for aligning with the government without party approval.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Chamara Sampath Dassanayake ‘s political career has been marred by several controversies:
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Principal Kneeling Incident (2018): He was accused of forcing the principal of Badulla Tamil Girls’ Maha Vidyalaya to kneel before him over disagreements regarding student admissions. This led to public outcry and a Fundamental Rights petition against him. He resigned from his position as Minister of Education pending investigation and later surrendered to the Badulla Police. In 2022, he was acquitted of these charges after a settlement was reached at the Badulla Conciliation Board.
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Kankasanthurai Cement Factory Scam (2023): Allegations surfaced regarding his involvement in a scam related to the sale of iron at the Kankasanthurai Cement Factory. Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation, Gamini Ekanayake, lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), alleging theft amounting to billions of rupees with Dassanayake’s endorsement. In response, Dassanayake expressed his willingness to surrender if found guilty, stating in Parliament, “I will be going to the CID and therefore the police can arrest me if they want.’
Contributions to the Gem and Jewellery Sector
Despite these controversies, Dassanayake has been credited with significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry. As State Minister for Primary Industries, he announced that from January to August 2023, the sector generated an income of USD 315 million, marking a 34% growth rate compared to the previous year. He attributed this success to strategic decisions and reforms implemented under his leadership, including a novel customs clearance system to ensure proper inflow of foreign exchange.
Chamara Sampath Dassanayake ‘s arrest has elicited mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessary step toward addressing corruption, others perceive it as a politically motivated move aimed at silencing opposition. Critics argue that the timing of the arrest, coinciding with Dassanayake’s active role in the opposition’s anti-government campaign, raises questions about the impartiality of CIABOC’s actions. This sentiment is fueled by the commission’s history of allegedly targeting opposition figures while overlooking misconduct within the ruling party.
The arrest of Chamara Sampath Dassanayake underscores the complex interplay between politics and justice in Sri Lanka. It highlights the challenges faced by institutions like CIABOC in maintaining impartiality and effectiveness in combating corruption. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.