The current government has taken steps to reopen investigations into corruption and irregularities allegedly committed during the Rajapaksa regime from 2005 to 2015, which had caused significant controversy.
Although the media, opposition political groups, and civil society organizations strongly criticized the alleged misuse of public funds during that period, no formal investigations were conducted at the time. However, the Good Governance (Yahapalana) government, which came to power in 2015, initiated investigations into several highly controversial corruption cases.
Allegations of Financial Misappropriation Against Jaliya Wickramasuriya
Investigations were initiated during the Yahapalana government into an alleged financial crime committed by Jaliya Wickramasuriya, who served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States under Mahinda Rajapaksa’s regime.
The Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) investigated allegations that in 2013, Wickramasuriya misappropriated USD 333,027 belonging to the Sri Lankan government while purchasing a building for the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Wickramasuriya was arrested and remanded by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court before being released on bail. He was later granted permission to leave the country for a personal matter under strict conditions. Since then, he has not returned to court, leading to an open warrant being issued for his arrest and production.
To date, no indictment has been filed against him regarding this matter.
Corruption Allegations in the Airbus Deal
The Yahapalana government also launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in the purchase of Airbus aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013.
The FCID investigated an incident involving former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasekara and his wife, Neomali Wijenayake, who were accused of accepting a USD 2 million bribe during the aircraft procurement process.
Both were arrested, remanded, and later released on bail. However, although nearly eight years have passed since the investigation began, no indictments have been filed against them.
After the National People’s Power (NPP) government came to power, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) resumed the investigation. Recently, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa was questioned and a statement was recorded regarding the case.
The MiG Fighter Jet Purchase Deal
During Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government in 2006, allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the purchase of MiG fighter jets for the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
After the Good Governance (Yahapalana) government came to power in 2015, the FCID launched an investigation into alleged misconduct in the procurement process.
The police reported the matter to the Fort Magistrate’s Court, which granted approval for further investigations. Statements were recorded from several high-ranking Air Force officers, and former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, was named as a suspect.
A significant revelation during the investigation was that the original agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer had gone missing. The FCID reported this to the court.
When Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed power in 2019, the investigation stalled, and no further progress was made. The FCID later informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department, but no advice had been received.
After the current government came to power, the investigation was resumed.
Money Laundering Allegations Linked to CSN TV
The Yahapalana government initiated an investigation into an alleged violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa. The FCID investigated claims that he had invested illicit funds in the CSN television network.
In 2016, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was arrested and remanded after being produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. However, he was later released on bail.
Even though almost ten years have passed since the criminal investigation began, no indictment has been filed against him.
Hellocorp Investigation Against Namal Rajapaksa
During the Yahapalana government, another money laundering investigation was launched, targeting Namal Rajapaksa.
The FCID alleged that Namal, who was elected to Parliament in 2010, had committed an offense under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by investing Rs. 15 million in Hellocorp and NR Consultancy.
Following the investigation, Namal Rajapaksa and five company directors were arrested, remanded, and later released on bail. The FCID then submitted the case files to the Attorney General for further legal action.
During a recent court hearing, the FCID informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that the Attorney General’s instructions regarding the case had not yet been received.
Despite nearly a decade of investigation, no indictments have been filed against the accused.
D. A. Rajapaksa Memorial Museum Incident
Investigations were launched into the construction of the D. A. Rajapaksa Memorial Museum in Medamulana, Hambantota, which was built during the Mahinda Rajapaksa government.
The Yahapalana government investigated allegations that Rs. 33.9 million in public funds from the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation were misused for the private construction project.
Following investigations, the Attorney General filed a case against Gotabaya Rajapaksa and six others before a three-judge Special High Court in Colombo.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s legal team challenged the charges, arguing that they were unlawful. However, the High Court rejected these objections and decided to proceed with the trial.
When Gotabaya Rajapaksa became President in 2019, his legal team appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the trial should be suspended. The Supreme Court granted a restraining order, halting the High Court proceedings.
As President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was granted constitutional immunity under Article 35, leading to his removal from the case. Over time, the remaining defendants were also acquitted, bringing the trial to a close.
Current Status of the Investigations
The National People’s Power (NPP) government has reopened investigations into the Airbus deal, MiG deal, and CSN case. However, progress remains slow, and no indictments have been filed in most cases.
Despite years of investigations, the lack of legal action raises concerns over Sri Lanka’s judicial system and its ability to hold individuals accountable for alleged financial misconduct.
SOURCE :- BBC SINHALA
