By Roy Denish.
The Shashindra Rajapaksa corruption case returns on October 8 when the Colombo High Court rules on preliminary objections to the indictments.
Amid continued public scrutiny over accountability and alleged corruption, former State Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa is facing a high-profile legal battle before the Colombo High Court.
The proceedings against Rajapaksa relate to an allegedly unauthorised structure built on land belonging to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority in Kiribibbanwewa, Sevanagala.
The property was damaged during nationwide unrest on May 9, 2022.
According to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), a claim for compensation relating to the damaged property was initially rejected.
However, prosecutors allege that the former State Minister subsequently used his political influence to pressure relevant state officials, resulting in the payment of Rs. 8.85 million in compensation.
CIABOC has filed indictments against the accused on corruption-related charges, including allegations of aiding and abetting the commission of an offence.
Two former senior state officials have also been named as co-defendants: former Director of the Office for Reparations Sepalika Saman Kumari and former Director General of the Mahaweli Authority Keerthi Bandara Kotagama.
When the case was called before Colombo High Court Judge Ravindra Premaratne, defence counsel raised several preliminary objections challenging the indictments.
Assistant Director General Subhashini Siriwardena presented submissions on behalf of CIABOC.
The Colombo High Court has announced that its ruling on the preliminary objections will be delivered on October 8.
The case has attracted considerable public attention as Sri Lanka continues to debate accountability, corruption, and the recovery of public funds.
The outcome of the preliminary objections will determine how the prosecution proceeds, while any question of guilt or punishment will ultimately depend on the evidence presented and the findings of the court.
