NPP Banking and Finance Forum to File Complaints Over Alleged Irregular State Bank Loans

The National People’s Power (NPP) Banking and Finance Forum says it is preparing to lodge complaints with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over alleged irregular loans and suspected corruption involving state banks during previous administrations.

Samira Alwis, national convener of the NPP Banking and Finance Forum, announced the move at a media briefing held in Colombo.

Alwis said the planned complaints would concern loans allegedly obtained from state banks by politicians, members of their families and associates during previous governments, as well as alleged financial irregularities and corruption. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the material provided did not specify the individuals or transactions that would be included in the complaints.

Forum cites economic and banking indicators

Addressing the briefing, Alwis said Sri Lanka's economy had recorded growth of 5% in 2025 and claimed that economic growth had reached 4.2% during the first two quarters of 2026.

He also said the gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio, which stood at around 12% to 13% in 2024 and 2025, had declined to approximately 8%.

Alwis attributed the improvement partly to borrowers repaying their loans and said it reflected greater stability in the economy.

He further claimed that the government had appointed professionals with relevant expertise to bank boards, rather than political associates or astrologers, as part of efforts to strengthen independence and professionalism in the banking and financial sectors.

Alwis also said state and private banks had recorded their highest profitability in Sri Lanka's history in 2025. The figures and historical comparison cited at the briefing were not independently verified for this report.

Banking profits and support for businesses

Dilashan Chamikara, Colombo District organiser of the NPP Banking and Finance Forum, said increased bank profitability could strengthen banks' capital positions, support depositor confidence and enable the expansion of banking services.

He argued that state banks continued to have a wider public responsibility, including providing lower-interest loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, improving financial literacy and supporting entrepreneurship development.

Chamikara also said Central Bank officials had been given greater independence to work professionally towards economic stabilisation under the current government.

He added that experienced professionals without corruption allegations had been appointed as chairpersons and directors of state banks.

Forum criticises opposition statements

Representatives at the briefing accused opposition MPs of misrepresenting banking and economic data and creating unnecessary public concern. They argued that such statements served narrow political objectives.

S. Madhuranga, an executive committee member of the NPP Banking and Finance Forum, also addressed the media briefing.