Mahinda Rajapaksa To Appear Before Ciaboc Today (12)

COLOMBO (News 1st);Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been summoned to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today to record a statement in connection with an alleged US$2 million bribe linked to the purchase of Airbus aircraft.

Rajapaksa has been called before the Commission based on revelations made by Kapila Chandrasena, the former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines and the main suspect in the related case, who alleged that Rs. 60 million from the alleged bribe money was handed over to Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Former SriLankan Airlines board member Willy Gamage have been summoned to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Willy Gamage appeared before the Commission yesterday evening, provided a statement, and left the premises.

Meanwhile, Kapila Chandrasena, the former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines and the main suspect in the bribery case, was found dead inside a relative’s house last Friday.

Investigations into his death are currently being carried out by the Colombo Crimes Division.

Police said that statements have been recorded so far from about 15 individuals, including former cricketer Aravinda de Silva, who is a relative and the owner of the house where Chandrasena’s body was found.

Police also revealed that Kapila Chandrasena, who was under a court warrant, had held discussions with his lawyers regarding judicial proceedings on the day before his death.

Chandrasena, who had previously been remanded and later released on bail in connection with the bribery case, had produced two sureties whom he had reportedly obtained by paying Rs. 15,000 each. After it was revealed that the sureties were hired, court ordered his re‑arrest.

His body was found against this backdrop.