Neville Wanniarachchi, the former Chief Security Officer of ex-Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been remanded until 17 October on charges of failing to disclose the source of millions of rupees’ worth of assets.
Wanniarachchi, a retired Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant Colonel, appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Thursday to provide a statement. He was subsequently arrested and produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama, who ordered his remand.
CIABOC told court that the case related to Wanniarachchi’s failure to properly submit assets and liabilities declarations, in violation of the Bribery Act and the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023. Investigators revealed that the former officer owns buses, motor vehicles, houses, hotels, fuel stations and several bank accounts, yet had repeatedly failed to submit accurate or complete declarations for more than eight years.
According to investigators, Wanniarachchi owns a 3.7-acre fuel station in Walasmulla, a house in Pallekele built at a cost of Rs 4.5 million, a house in Navinna, Maharagama valued at Rs 12.5 million, and another house in Dematagoda worth Rs 10.5 million. He also owns a hotel under construction on land in Tissamaharama, property in Madivela, Kotte valued at Rs 40 million, and shops in Beliatta and Weeraketiya.
Court was told that between January 2013 and January 2014, Wanniarachchi earned Rs 28 million in excess of his declared income.
nvestigators added that although repeatedly summoned between 2016 and 2025, he had delayed or failed to provide details, with documents submitted found to be incomplete or false.
Magistrate Bodaragama noted that the suspect had a record of non-cooperation, including five previous guilty pleas relating to asset declarations, and ordered CIABOC to submit a detailed report on the alleged unlawful acquisitions at the next hearing.
Appearing for the suspect, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis argued that Wanniarachchi required more time to provide records, including details linked to his wife’s family, but the Magistrate rejected the request.
Wanniarachchi remains in custody until the next hearing on 17 October.