Namal Rajapaksa bail bid fails as Colombo court extends his remand until September 29 over an alleged Rs. 100 million Airbus-linked bribe.
The Namal Rajapaksa bail application failed on September 18 after Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered the parliamentarian to remain in remand custody until September 29.
Rajapaksa faces allegations that he accepted Rs. 100 million linked to the controversial Airbus aircraft procurement involving SriLankan Airlines. CIABOC arrested him on September 4 after questioning him for more than five hours. Rajapaksa has denied wrongdoing.
The court also fixed September 29 to deliver its ruling on his bail application. The defence must file written submissions by September 22, while the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption must submit objections by September 25.
The court did not accept the matters advanced by the defence as sufficient special circumstances to justify his release.
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President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing for Rajapaksa, sought bail by presenting what the defence described as special circumstances under Article 149 of the Anti-Corruption Act.
The defence placed several matters before court:
- Indian government invitation: The defence said Rajapaksa had received an official invitation from the Indian government for a visit from September 27 to October 1.
- Pothugul Viharaya ceremony: The Chief Incumbent had invited Rajapaksa to attend the pinnacle-hoisting ceremony at Hanguranketha Pothugul Viharaya on September 26. The defence argued that failing to attend the historic event after the Dalada Perahera would disrespect the Chief Incumbent.
- Witness contradictions: The defence challenged the credibility of key witness Nimal Perera. It alleged he had made false statements during the initial stages and pointed to issues contained in the B reports.
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara strongly opposed the application while appearing for CIABOC. His appearance for the Commission at the September 18 hearing is independently confirmed.
The prosecution cited Supreme Court proceedings SC/Contempt/3, 4 and 5 of 2025. Bandara also referred to the Adhamma Sutta of the Anguttara Nikaya.
He told court that when rulers or leaders act unrighteously, the country becomes lawless and suffers. Conversely, righteous leadership benefits the country.
“Going for religious activities is not a problem. But what is here is a very serious matter rather than religious activities…” the Deputy Solicitor General said.
Responding to the challenge to Nimal Perera’s credibility, the prosecution argued that the trial should determine the reliability of his evidence.
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The prosecution’s case alleges that money connected to former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena ultimately reached Namal Rajapaksa.
According to the material presented, Additional Solicitor General President’s Counsel Dileepa Peiris, supervising the matter for the Attorney General, had instructed investigators to name Rajapaksa as a suspect.
Rajapaksa also faces a separate CID money-laundering case connected to alleged financial irregularities surrounding the Airbus procurement. On September 16, the Fort Magistrate’s Court remanded him until September 23 in that separate proceeding.
Kapila Chandrasena, meanwhile, was found dead on May 8 at the Kollupitiya residence of former Sri Lankan cricketer Aravinda de Silva, his relative by marriage. Authorities treated the death as suspicious and continued an investigation into its circumstances.
International Investigation Expands
The prosecution also outlined the wider investigation before court on September 18.
It told court:
- International investigations: Investigators have expanded inquiries through international legal channels involving Australia, France, Singapore and the United States.
- Meeting at Chamal Rajapaksa’s official residence: The prosecution referred to a meeting at the official residence of former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa. Investigators have reportedly recorded statements from him, Susantha Chaminda, identified as a former Airbus director, and others.
- Interpol notices: The prosecution said international red notices had been issued concerning other suspects, including Kapila Chandrasena’s wife, Priyanka Niyomali Wijenaike, and third suspect Shameendra Rajapaksa. It said the notice concerning Shameendra Rajapaksa had already been made public.
These specific prosecution submissions are reported as statements made to court and should not be read as findings of guilt.
After considering the submissions, Chief Magistrate Bodaragama ordered Rajapaksa to remain in remand custody until September 29. Independent reports confirm the remand extension and that the court will deliver its bail ruling on that date.
The case therefore continues, with the Namal Rajapaksa bail decision now set for September 29 as investigators pursue the wider allegations surrounding the Airbus-linked transaction.
