PHI arrested for accepting Rs. 200,000 bribe in Galewela

A Public Health Inspector (PHI) attached to the Galewela Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office has been arrested by officials of the Bribery Commission for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs. 200,000 to renew a hotel’s trade license.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by a resident of Ibbagamuwa, who operates a hotel. 

The complainant had applied to the Galewela Pradeshiya Sabha for the renewal of the hotel’s 2025 trade license.

As part of the licensing process, the PHI was required to conduct an inspection of the establishment before providing a recommendation to the Pradeshiya Sabha. 

However, the officer allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs. 200,000 in exchange for issuing the required recommendation letter.

Following the complaint, Bribery Commission officers set up an operation and arrested the suspect yesterday (14) at around 7.48 p.m. while he was accepting the bribe on the road near Sri Buddhajayanthi Viharaya in Thalakiriyagama.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Dambulla Magistrate’s Court.