Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Appears Before Central Crime Investigation Division Over Sugishwara Bandara Probe

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appeared before the Central Crime Investigation Division (CCID) in Narahenpita today (November 9) to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation involving his former Private Secretary, Sugishwara Bandara.

Rajapaksa was summoned to record a statement as part of further investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving Bandara, who is currently in remand custody. The former President left the premises shortly after providing his statement.

Sugishwara Bandara, leader of the New People's Front, served as the Private Secretary to Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his tenure as President.

Bandara has been accused of misusing and diverting more than Rs. 220 million from its intended purposes while serving as Director General of Special Projects.

Investigations have also reportedly revealed allegations that Bandara received salaries simultaneously from two state institutions, raising further concerns over the alleged misuse of public funds.

In connection with the investigation, Bandara was arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) on June 18 and was subsequently remanded.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's appearance before investigators forms part of the ongoing inquiries into the alleged financial irregularities surrounding Bandara. His statement was recorded before he left the investigation premises.