Mahinda Rajapaksa questioned by Bribery Commission over SriLankan Airbus deal
COLOMBO – Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Tuesday (12) and recorded a statement in connection with the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus procurement deal.
Rajapaksa left the Bribery Commission premises shortly after completing the statement, which lasted over two hours, officials said.
The former president had been summoned by CIABOC as part of ongoing investigations into allegations surrounding the 2013 purchase of Airbus aircraft for the national carrier, a deal that has long been under scrutiny over claims of corruption and kickbacks.
According to reports, investigators are probing allegations linked to a reported US$2 million bribe connected to the aircraft procurement process.
Former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne has also reportedly been notified to appear before the Commission as investigations continue.
The latest developments come amid renewed attention on the Airbus deal following the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who had been facing corruption-related charges tied to the procurement.
Rajapaksa’s media spokesman, Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage, said the former president had cooperated with investigators but that discussions with a legal team would be held regarding certain legal issues arising from the summons.
Gamage further claimed that the summons was based on a confession allegedly made by Chandrasena.
However, he argued that Chandrasena had previously submitted an affidavit before court stating that the confession had been obtained under duress and threats.
“If the summons has been issued solely on that basis, it would be unlawful,” Gamage said.
The Airbus procurement controversy relates to SriLankan Airlines’ 2013 agreement to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft in a deal valued at approximately US$2.3 billion. Investigators have alleged that bribes and illicit commissions were paid in connection with the transaction through offshore arrangements.
The case gained international attention after Airbus agreed to a global settlement with British, French and US authorities in 2020 over widespread bribery allegations involving aircraft deals in several countries, including Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan authorities have since pursued multiple investigations into the transaction, with several former officials and individuals linked to the national carrier coming under scrutiny.
-ENCL
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