Sri Lanka, June 29 -- Investigations have begun to arrest approximately 18 high-ranking state officials suspected of aiding politicians in various fraud and corruption schemes.

These investigations are being conducted by teams including the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC.

Sources indicate that five of the high-ranking officials facing corruption allegations have already fled the country.

Investigating teams are also reportedly scrutinising the bank accounts of these officials as part of their probe.

In a related development, Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, the former Secretary to the Ministry of Health, was recently arrested by the CIABOC in connection with an illegal asset accumulation case.

He has ...