A last-minute affidavit without full disclosures fuels renewed scrutiny over Mahinda Rajapaksa’s wealth, transparency, and long-running corruption investigations.
Political power, personal wealth, and unresolved questions from the past once again intersect as key deadlines close in. The long-running debate over the Rajapaksa family’s assets has now reached another tense and closely watched turning point.
Yesterday on the 10th, at the final moment of the fourteen-day deadline granted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa submitted an affidavit relating to his assets and liabilities. While several mainstream reports suggested that a declaration had been made, it has since been confirmed that the submission did not include a detailed accounting. The Commission officially stated that what was received was an affidavit indicating that a proper valuation would follow, citing difficulties in calculating extensive and complex assets.
The circumstances surrounding this submission have raised further uncertainty. Prior to filing the affidavit, the former president had informed the Commission through his legal representatives that additional time was required to gather accurate information on properties accumulated over many years. However, no clear timeline was provided, prompting concerns that the delay may be part of a broader strategy linked to asset declaration compliance.
This investigation has deeper roots and did not arise suddenly. It is a continuation of a special probe launched in 2015, focusing on the politically sensitive period between 2010 and 2015. The objective has been to trace the origin of assets connected to the former president and his close family members, and to establish transparency regarding their financial history.
The timing of the affidavit submission has also drawn attention. It was handed over on the final day while senior officials of the Commission were still evaluating their next course of action. Questions remain as to whether the submitted documents meet the required legal standards or whether further time will be granted for a complete and verifiable disclosure of assets and liabilities.
