Mahinda Rajapaksa appears before Bribery Commission

Colombo, May 12 (Daily Mirror) - Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) a short while ago to provide a statement in connection with the investigation into the controversial 2013 Airbus procurement deal involving SriLankan Airlines.

The inquiry is linked to allegations surrounding the purchase of 14 Airbus aircraft for the national carrier, a transaction that reportedly caused significant financial losses to the state.

The summons follows revelations made by the late former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, who had been identified as the main suspect in the bribery investigation.

Last week, the Bribery Commission summoned both Rajapaksa and former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne to record statements regarding the deal.

According to submissions made recently before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, prosecutors stated that Chandrasena had admitted to facilitating payments totalling Rs. 60 million to the former President during his time in office. The payments were allegedly linked to a wider US$2 million kickback scheme connected to the Airbus transaction.

Investigators allege the payments were made in an effort to secure approval for the aircraft purchase agreement.

Meanwhile, several party supporters have gathered at the Bribery Commission premises in anticipation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's arrival.

Security around the area has been tightened, with police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel deployed on-site.