Namal Rajapaksa remanded until September 18

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today (04) ordered that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa, who was taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, be remanded until September 18.

The order was issued after considering submissions made by Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, representing the Bribery Commission, and arguments presented by the suspect’s legal team.

Rajapaksa was produced before court on suspicion of accepting a bribe of USD 8 million during the controversial Airbus aircraft purchase deal linked to SriLankan Airlines. The transaction has long been at the center of public debate and scrutiny.

Earlier in the day, the MP appeared before the Bribery Commission to provide a statement regarding the ongoing investigation into the questionable aircraft procurement. 

After nearly five hours of testimony, officials placed him under arrest and subsequently presented him before the Magistrate’s Court.