Ethanol investigations brought to the fore

Several officials of the Department of Excise and twenty two officials from 24 state institutions were summoned to FCID to get evidence regarding incidents of illegally bringing ethanol during former regime.

FCID is to decide, after interrogating the officials, whether the officials are suspects or witnesses regarding financial irregularities committed in the state institutions.

Among the officials who were summoned were a former senior official of the National Lotteries Board, an engineer from Road Development Authority at Killinochchi, a captain from an Army camp in North Central Province and an official from Meegoda Economic Center say reports.

Former Minister Johnston Fernando, former Parliamentarian and present Deputy Minister Arundika Fernando and former Minister and present State Minister Luxman Wasantha Perera had been accused of smuggling in ethanol during the former regime.