May 12, Colombo (LNW): Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa attended the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today to record a statement in connection with an ongoing inquiry into SriLankan Airlines’ aircraft acquisition programme.
The investigation centres on claims surrounding the 2013 purchase of Airbus aircraft for the national carrier, including allegations that a payment amounting to US$2 million had been made as part of the transaction. The Bribery Commission had recently issued a notice requesting Rajapaksa’s appearance before investigators.
Reports also indicate that former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne has been instructed to appear before the Commission as the inquiry widens.
Meanwhile, Rajapaksa’s media spokesperson and legal representative, Attorney Manoj Gamage, said a panel of lawyers is expected to examine several legal aspects linked to the summons. According to Gamage, the case appears to rely heavily on a statement allegedly made by the late former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Kapila Chandrasena.
He further contended that Chandrasena had previously filed an affidavit before court asserting that his confession had been extracted through intimidation and pressure. Gamage argued that any legal action based entirely on such a statement would raise serious concerns regarding due process and admissibility.