Ex-Minister Manusha Nanayakkara granted bail after CIABOC arrest over alleged Israel job scandal. Full story inside.
In a major development that stirred the Sri Lankan political landscape, former Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara was granted bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court after being arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The case revolves around alleged irregularities in sending Sri Lankan workers to Israel’s agricultural sector—a controversy that has drawn national attention.
The bail decision, delivered by Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, came after intense courtroom arguments between CIABOC officers and Nanayakkara’s defense counsel.
Who is Manusha Nanayakkara?
Manusha Nanayakkara is a prominent Sri Lankan politician who formerly served as the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment. Known for his strong advocacy of worker welfare and overseas employment opportunities, Nanayakkara played a vital role in securing thousands of job placements for Sri Lankans abroad.
However, his political career took a dramatic turn when corruption allegations emerged regarding foreign employment recruitment to Israel—a program once praised for boosting Sri Lanka’s overseas employment sector.
The Arrest by CIABOC
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption—Sri Lanka’s top anti-graft agency—arrested Nanayakkara after he voluntarily appeared before the commission to provide a statement. His arrest came shortly after his anticipatory bail application was rejected by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court the previous day.
CIABOC officials allege that the former minister misused his authority during his tenure by unfairly selecting individuals for employment in Israel’s agricultural sector, depriving many deserving candidates of the opportunity.
The Allegations Explained
According to CIABOC’s report, the issue traces back to an agreement signed on November 5, 2023, between the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and the State of Israel. The deal aimed to facilitate the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for Israel’s agricultural sector.
However, investigators claim that Nanayakkara personally influenced the selection process—allowing certain individuals to benefit while others were left out unfairly. CIABOC describes these actions as “abuse of ministerial power leading to corruption and public loss.”
Israel Employment Agreement – The Core of the Controversy
This agreement was initially celebrated as a landmark opportunity for Sri Lankan workers. In 2023, Nanayakkara announced that over 1,000 job placements were available in Israel’s agricultural industry, offering attractive salaries and benefits.
However, the Bribery Commission later alleged that not all selections were transparent. Some candidates, they claim, were chosen based on favoritism rather than merit, violating fair employment procedures and causing financial loss to eligible applicants.
CIABOC’s Statement and Findings
In an official statement, CIABOC emphasized that its investigation revealed irregularities in the job allocation process, including undue benefits provided to certain individuals. The commission stated that these acts constitute corruption under Sri Lankan law and warranted immediate arrest.
Their findings were significant enough to justify rejecting the anticipatory bail request earlier and proceeding with formal legal action.
Court Proceedings: Bail Hearing and Decision
During Thursday’s court session, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama considered detailed arguments from both CIABOC prosecutors and Nanayakkara’s legal team.
After reviewing the submissions, the magistrate ruled in favor of granting bail, emphasizing that Nanayakkara had voluntarily appeared before the commission, demonstrating a low risk of evading legal proceedings.
This voluntary cooperation played a major role in the court’s decision to grant conditional bail instead of continued detention.
Bail Conditions Imposed
The court ordered Nanayakkara’s release on a cash bail of Rs. 100,000, along with two surety bails worth Rs. 4 million each.
Additionally, the magistrate imposed several conditions:
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A ban on foreign travel to prevent flight risk.
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A strict order to refrain from influencing witnesses or obstructing the ongoing investigation.
These conditions, according to the court, were necessary to ensure justice while maintaining procedural fairness.
Previous Anticipatory Bail Rejection
Just a day before his arrest, Nanayakkara’s legal team had filed an anticipatory bail application seeking protection from arrest. However, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court dismissed the request, citing insufficient grounds to grant bail preemptively.
Following that decision, Nanayakkara voluntarily appeared before CIABOC and provided a full statement—a move that likely helped him secure bail later.
Reactions from Political Circles
The arrest and subsequent release on bail have triggered widespread political debate. Some government allies have defended Nanayakkara, praising his decision to cooperate with the investigation, while opposition figures have called for stricter enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
Social media platforms, meanwhile, have been flooded with discussions—some questioning whether the case reflects genuine corruption or political targeting.
Manusha Nanayakkara’s Defense
Through his legal representatives, Nanayakkara has denied all allegations of corruption. He maintains that the recruitment process for Israeli employment was transparent and properly supervised under his ministry.
He argues that CIABOC’s allegations are based on misinterpretation of administrative decisions rather than deliberate wrongdoing. His legal counsel also emphasized that Nanayakkara has never attempted to evade investigation, reinforcing his commitment to prove his innocence in court.
Impact on Sri Lanka’s Labour and Foreign Employment Sector
This case raises important questions about transparency in Sri Lanka’s overseas employment programs. The foreign employment sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, generating billions in remittances.
Analysts suggest that this incident could lead to reforms in recruitment procedures, ensuring equal opportunity, stricter oversight, and reduced political interference in foreign job placements.
In the long run, experts believe that cases like this can strengthen institutional accountability, if handled with fairness and consistency.
Public Trust and Anti-Corruption Efforts
The CIABOC’s proactive approach in this case demonstrates Sri Lanka’s growing commitment to fighting corruption. Despite political sensitivity, the Commission acted within its mandate, reinforcing public confidence in judicial independence.
At the same time, the outcome of this case will likely influence public perception of political integrity—whether the justice system can truly hold powerful individuals accountable.
What Happens Next
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has scheduled the next hearing for December 10, where CIABOC is expected to present further evidence. Depending on the findings, Nanayakkara could face formal charges or possible acquittal.
Until then, the case will remain a test of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption mechanisms and a critical moment for political accountability.
The bail granted to former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara marks only the beginning of a complex legal journey. While the court recognized his cooperation and granted conditional freedom, the allegations of abuse of power and corruption remain under investigation.
This case underscores a vital message: no one is above the law, and transparency in governance remains essential for public trust. Whether Nanayakkara is found guilty or cleared, this legal episode will likely shape future standards of accountability in Sri Lanka’s political and labour administration.
FAQs
1. Why was Manusha Nanayakkara arrested?
He was arrested by CIABOC for allegedly abusing his authority during the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for Israel’s agricultural sector.
2. What were the bail conditions imposed by the court?
Nanayakkara was granted cash bail of Rs. 100,000 and two surety bails of Rs. 4 million each, with travel restrictions and orders to avoid contacting witnesses.
3. Did Nanayakkara cooperate with the investigation?
Yes, he voluntarily appeared before the Bribery Commission and provided a statement, which influenced the court’s decision to grant bail.
4. What is the next step in the case?
The case will be taken up again on December 10, where CIABOC will present further evidence.
5. What does this mean for Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector?
It could lead to reforms ensuring fair recruitment, transparency, and stronger oversight to prevent similar controversies in the future.