In a dramatic development, Sri Lanka’s bribery commission has summoned ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa and parliamentarian Priyankara Jayaratne for questioning in the long-running Airbus procurement corruption case. Scheduled for May 12, the hearings could expose deep-rooted malpractices in the national carrier’s operations.
Details emerging from investigations point to illicit payments exceeding 60 million rupees linked to the aircraft deal. Whistleblower claims from ex-SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena detail kickbacks: 60 million to Rajapaksa in phased transfers and 20 million to Jayaratne. The money trail leads through shadowy entities in Brunei and Singapore, evading oversight.
Rajapaksa’s tenure, often criticized for opaque dealings, now faces renewed scrutiny amid Sri Lanka’s push for accountability. Jayaratne’s role as aviation minister places him at the scandal’s epicenter. This probe, reinvigorated by fresh anti-graft legislation in 2024, connects to larger inquiries into airline mismanagement.
As CIABOC sifts through documents and testimonies, the outcome may trigger prosecutions, deterring future abuses. For a country emerging from turmoil, cracking down on elite corruption is vital to economic recovery and democratic renewal. Stakeholders watch closely as justice unfolds.
