The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is actively searching for former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera and businessman named “Singapore Sarath” in connection with a land fraud case in Kiribathgoda.
The investigation follows the arrest of former Minister Mervyn Silva and three others for allegedly preparing fraudulent deeds and selling government land allocated for the Kiribathgoda New Town project in 2010.
According to reports, Ranaweera left his home shortly after Silva’s arrest and has not returned since.
His wife informed the CID that he has been missing since then.
The CID has searched several locations in Kelaniya but has yet to locate him. Additionally, the CID has questioned Ranaweera’s driver as part of the investigation.
The fraud involves the illegal sale of 120 perches of land, with half allegedly retained by the suspects and the remaining sold in 7-perch plots for construction purposes.
The CID is also seeking Sarath, the owner of a community hall in Kiribathgoda, who is believed to be involved in the scam.
The lawyer who prepared the fraudulent deeds has reportedly passed away, complicating the investigation.
The case highlights systemic corruption and the misuse of government land, with authorities working to bring all involved parties to justice.
