Ex-NTC chief in remand over 56 bus permits

Former National Transport Commission Chairman Renuka Perera, currently serving as the party's Administrative Secretary, was remanded in custody by the Colombo Magistrate's Court until September 29. Perera was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with alleged corruption in the issuance of bus route permits.

The magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, issued the remand order after reviewing submissions from CIABOC officials and legal counsel. According to CIABOC, Perera was arrested for unlawfully issuing route permits during his tenure as NTC Chairman, resulting in significant financial losses for the government while providing an unlawful advantage to an external party.

The alleged offenses occurred on September 17 and involved the issuance of 56 passenger transport service permits for buses to operate on the Southern Expressway, all without collecting the required annual fees as a single payment. CIABOC claims these actions violated the National Transport Commission Act No. 37 of 1991 and a Cabinet decision from September 19, 2014.