Sri Lankan parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was arrested on Friday morning by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption while appearing before the commission to provide a statement concerning the purchase of Airbus aircraft by SriLankan Airlines.
Rajapaksa had previously been instructed to appear before the commission at 9.00 am on Friday. He arrived as directed and was in the process of providing a statement when investigators took the decision to arrest him.
The arrest relates to an investigation into alleged irregularities connected with the transaction to purchase Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. Investigators had previously recorded statements from several parties as part of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deal.
According to the information provided, Rajapaksa was questioned in connection with alleged irregularities said to have occurred through the transaction. His appearance before the commission had therefore formed part of the continuing investigation into the aircraft purchase.
The proceedings mark a further development in the inquiry, with the commission moving from the recording of statements to the arrest of the parliamentarian. The investigation has involved questioning individuals from several sides in relation to the transaction and the alleged irregularities associated with it.
Rajapaksa is now expected to be produced before court for further legal proceedings. His arrest and the subsequent court process will determine the next stage of the legal action arising from the investigation.
The case centres on the Airbus aircraft purchase transaction involving SriLankan Airlines, with the anti-corruption commission continuing its investigation into the alleged irregularities. Rajapaksa’s arrest came as he appeared voluntarily, following the commission’s earlier instruction that he report at 9.00 am to provide a statement.
