Rakhitha Rajapakshe, Charith Abeysinghe and two others remanded until July 17

Attorney Rakhitha Rajapakshe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya former Horana organiser Charitha Abeysinghe, and former Director of the Civil Aviation Authority and Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka, Aruna Sri Chathuranga were further remanded until July 17 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today (3).

These suspects were arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of soliciting and receiving a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of an organised criminal.

The court rejected bail because sufficient circumstances had not been presented to justify release, and accordingly ordered the suspects to be remanded.

The commission informed court that former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was also in Dubai when the suspects travelled there to obtain the alleged bribe money, based on probe findings.

It was also stated that an investigation has been launched to determine whether Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was involved in the matter, Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Anusha Samanthapperuma, who appeared on behalf of the Commission, told court.

The Commission further stated that immigration records confirmed Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe stayed in Dubai from March 21 to 28, 2023.

Presenting further submissions, the Assistant Director of Legal Affairs stated that the Rs. 20 million initially obtained by the first suspect had later been returned to the complainant — Maheshika Maduwanthi, the wife of 'Harak Kata' — through Lasantha Manjula De Silva, a friend of Harbi alias Nirmal Bandara, the first suspect.

The Commission also revealed the location where the money was handed over, identifying it as a house on Wijayaba Mawatha, Nawala Road, Nugegoda, which it claims belongs to Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

The Commission further stated that the funds were allegedly brought into the country via an 'Undiyal' informal transfer system, and that investigations into this are ongoing.

Further inquiries are also being conducted into the suspects’ mobile phone and WhatsApp communications, as well as their assets.