by Our Political Affairs Correspondent in Colombo
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa have been summoned by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to appear for an inquiry in the coming days regarding a contentious land dispute, according to a reliable source within the Rajapaksa family who wishes to remain anonymous.
Reports from local newspapers, however, suggest that authorities are also preparing to arrest five individuals, including the spouse of a high-profile politician, in connection with various alleged corruption and fraud cases. Among those expected to be detained are a politician accused of defrauding people with false promises of securing foreign employment, an opposition Member of Parliament implicated in financial misconduct, and several senior officials linked to irregularities within the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.
Investigations into major cases of corruption have also been accelerated. These include the controversial procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Central Bank bond scandal, both of which have caused widespread economic damage and public outcry. Over ten individuals are reportedly under scrutiny for their involvement in these high-profile cases, underscoring the authorities’ heightened focus on accountability.
Meanwhile in the first week of last December, the United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Kapila Chandrasena, the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, and Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, along with their immediate family members. The announcement, made on International Anti-Corruption Day, highlights the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and promote human rights globally.
Chandrasena is accused of accepting bribes during his tenure as CEO to facilitate the purchase of overpriced Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. Weeratunga is alleged to have orchestrated and personally benefited from a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft. Both individuals have been designated under Section 7031(c) of the U.S. Department of State Appropriations Act, making them ineligible to enter the United States.
