COLOMBO — Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama on Friday (23) rejected the bail application of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa in the investigation into an alleged Rs. 70 million bribery transaction involving the Krrish development project in Colombo Fort.
Rajapaksa, named as the fourth suspect in the proceedings, and former Krrish Group Director Janaki Siriwardena were further remanded until November 6.
The order followed submissions by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and lawyers representing the suspects.
Investigators allege that the payments were made in connection with efforts to facilitate the allocation of land and obtain approvals for the Krrish Transworks project.
The allegations remain under investigation, and neither the refusal of bail nor the extension of remand constitutes a finding of guilt.
Court Seeks Clarification on Rs. 70 Million Payments
During Friday’s proceedings, an Assistant Director appearing for the Bribery Commission informed the court that bank records indicated the disputed Rs. 70 million had been paid in three instalments.
According to the supplied account of the hearing, the Chief Magistrate questioned an apparent discrepancy with an earlier submission suggesting that the money had been transferred on four occasions.
Investigators reportedly clarified that further examination of the records had established three payments.
Earlier proceedings identified the alleged transactions as Rs. 40 million, Rs. 10 million and Rs. 20 million, made during October, November and December 2012.
The Commission alleges that the payments were connected to assistance in securing land at Transworks Square, Colombo Fort, for Krrish Transworks Colombo Ltd., and obtaining the approvals necessary for the development.
The prosecution’s interpretation of the transactions remains subject to the judicial process.
Sixth Suspect Named in Investigation
The Bribery Commission also reportedly informed court that another woman who had served as a director of Krrish Transworks during the relevant period had been named as the sixth suspect.
According to the supplied court account, the Director General of CIABOC had issued a certificate under Section 149 in relation to the woman.
Her identity was not established in the supplied report, and the precise purpose and legal effect of the certificate should be confirmed from the court record.
Investigators have previously identified several individuals connected to the company’s affairs while examining the alleged payments and the arrangements surrounding the development project.
The naming of an additional suspect does not establish criminal responsibility.
Parliamentary Documents to Undergo Handwriting Examination
The Commission reportedly informed court that additional statements and documents had been obtained from employees connected to the company.
Investigators claimed that some individuals had become more willing to provide information while the principal suspects remained in remand custody.
A document submitted to Parliament by Rajapaksa during the period under investigation is also expected to undergo examination, including a comparison with handwriting samples attributed to him.
According to the court account, investigators intend to obtain further evidence through several institutions, including:
- The Vellawidiya Divisional Secretary.
- The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).
- The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
- The Survey Department.
- HSBC Bank.
The Commission considers the additional documentary and institutional evidence relevant to establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.
Ali Sabry Alleges Political Motivation
President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, appearing for Rajapaksa, challenged the conduct and duration of the investigation.
According to the supplied account, Sabry argued that continuing inquiries without bringing them to a conclusion, while selectively issuing certificates under Section 149 to certain suspects, raised concerns about fairness.
He maintained that the proceedings were driven by political considerations and alleged that the investigation formed part of an effort to target his client.
The defence’s position is that investigative powers must be exercised consistently and that continued detention should not be used to prolong proceedings unnecessarily.
These submissions remain arguments advanced on behalf of the accused, rather than findings made by the court.
The Bribery Commission, meanwhile, maintains that further inquiries are necessary to establish the alleged movement of funds and the involvement of individuals connected to the Krrish project.
Bail Refused as Investigation Continues
After considering the submissions, Chief Magistrate Bodaragama rejected Rajapaksa’s bail application and ordered that he remain in custody until November 6.
Siriwardena, whose application for bail had been refused at the previous hearing on October 16, was also further remanded until the same date.
Friday’s ruling followed the earlier postponement of Rajapaksa’s bail decision, which the magistrate had scheduled for October 23.
The proceedings remain focused on the alleged Rs. 70 million transaction, the supporting financial records and the responsibility, if any, of those named in the investigation.
The next hearing is expected to provide an opportunity for the Bribery Commission to report further progress and for the court to consider the continuing legal status of the suspects.
