By Roy Denish.
Fresh allegations over a 2013 gold consignment at Mattala Airport have resurfaced in a book detailing claims of political interference.
COLOMBO – Fresh details have emerged regarding a high-profile smuggling scandal from the second term of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, shedding light on how political pressure was allegedly used to bypass customs regulations at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
According to reports originating from southern media and detailed in the recent book Rajapaksa Company by former journalist Lasantha Wickremaratne, a massive consignment of gold and gold jewellery was illicitly cleared into the country through the southern airport.
The investigation reveals that the contraband was brought into Sri Lanka on June 12, 2013, aboard flight UC827, which landed at Mattala International Airport.
The shipment was reportedly imported by a relative of Eraj Ravindra Fernando, the late former Mayor of Hambantota, who reportedly took his own life recently.
The report alleges that the illegal gold consignment was released following a direct order issued by Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was serving as Minister of Finance at the time.
To bypass protocol, intense political pressure was reportedly exerted on Jagath Weeraweera, the former Director of the Customs Enforcement Division, forcing authorities to authorise the release of the valuable cargo without standard checks.
This latest disclosure has added momentum to growing investigations into alleged past abuses of power and financial irregularities during the former administration.
Legal and anti-corruption analysts note that as more confidential documents and exposés come to light, several prominent political figures and high-ranking officials from that era could face scrutiny or legal consequences.
The revelations from Wickremaratne’s book are expected to spark renewed calls from civil society groups and opposition lawmakers for a thorough and transparent probe into customs corruption and political interference under the previous regime.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response regarding the specific allegations outlined in the new publication.
