.svg)
Sri Lankan anti-graft authorities have arrested and remanded opposition lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa over allegations of receiving USD 800,000 in kickbacks linked to a state airline aircraft procurement deal
Mariyam Adheela
Namal Rajapaksa -- Photo: lankaleader
Colombo: Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption agency arrested lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa on Friday following more than five hours of questioning regarding USD 800,000 in alleged bribes connected to an Airbus aircraft procurement for Sri Lankan Airlines.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption brought the 40 year old parliamentarian before the Colombo Magistrate Court. Magistrate Asanga Boderagama subsequently ordered Rajapaksa remanded in custody until September 18.
Allegations and Financial Probe
Investigators allege that Rajapaksa benefited from illicit commission payments deposited across various bank accounts during the 2013 aircraft transaction under his father Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency.
Officials confirmed that the investigation focuses on payments made by a Sri Lankan businessman into offshore accounts to facilitate cabinet approval for the multibillion dollar state fleet renewal project.
Political Context
The arrest marks the first time a core member of the Rajapaksa family has been remanded under the current administration.
Representatives for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party rejected the charges as politically motivated action designed to derail upcoming opposition rallies across the island.
