Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on May 12th to provide a statement regarding the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus deal. The inquiry centers on an alleged US$2 million bribe paid during the 2013 purchase of a ten-aircraft fleet for the national carrier.
Reports indicate that former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, who passed away recently, is a key figure in the investigation. Chandrasena reportedly confessed to giving Rs 60 million from the alleged bribe money to Mahinda Rajapaksa. However, Chandrasena had also previously accused the CIABOC Director General of threatening him and forcibly obtaining a statement, and had submitted an affidavit to the court questioning the validity of his statement.
The summons for Rajapaksa to appear on May 12th was reportedly delivered to his Carlton residence on May 9th. Initially, Rajapaksa's spokesperson denied receiving any official notification. However, on May 10th, Rajapaksa himself confirmed his acceptance of the summons and readiness to appear, making these remarks while paying respects to the late Kapila Chandrasena. His spokesperson later reiterated on May 11th that the former President would appear at 9:00 AM on May 12th, adding that legal matters related to the summons would be discussed with his legal team.
On the scheduled day, May 12th, Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the CIABOC premises, where his arrival was met by supporters and heightened security. Also summoned to appear before CIABOC in connection with the Airbus deal is former Civil Aviation Minister Piyankara Jayaratne. Other individuals reportedly implicated in the case include Chamal Rajapaksa's son Shamindra Rajapaksa and Kapila Chandrasena's wife Priyangaa Niomali.
In a separate but related development, CIABOC has also informed former President Rajapaksa that his submitted asset declaration is incomplete and has instructed him to submit a fully completed affidavit without delay. Furthermore, the commission is questioning the source of funds for a house owned by his wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, and has suspended its sale pending an explanation.