May 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption authorities have called former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former minister Piyankara Jayaratne to appear before investigators later this month, as inquiries into a high-profile aircraft procurement gather pace.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has requested them both to provide statements on May 12 in connection with an ongoing investigation linked to a controversial agreement involving the national carrier’s fleet expansion.
The probe centres on a 2013 deal under which SriLankan Airlines moved to acquire a number of wide-body aircraft from Airbus. Investigators are examining claims that illicit payments amounting to millions of US dollars were made during the transaction.
Attention has already focused on the airline’s former chief executive, Kapila Chandrasena, and his spouse, who have been accused of facilitating improper payments. Chandrasena was taken into custody in March and remains under legal scrutiny as inquiries continue under bribery and anti-corruption legislation.
Officials informed court earlier this year that evidence had emerged suggesting funds tied to the deal may have been passed on to senior political figures. According to statements recorded during the investigation, sizeable sums of money were allegedly handed over in instalments at private residences following requests made at the time.
Against this backdrop, the decision to summon Rajapaksa and Jayaratne marks a significant development, signalling that the investigation is moving beyond corporate actors to examine possible political links.
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