Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who is currently in remand custody over corruption allegations, has been ordered to remain in custody until September 30 by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (22).
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama issued the order after rejecting a bail application filed on behalf of the former minister.
Rajapaksa was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with the misuse of public property and undue influence exerted on government officials.
The allegations relate to a property belonging to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, located in the Sevanagala–Kiriibbanwewa area, where a building believed to be linked to Rajapaksa had been constructed without proper authorization. The property was damaged during the May 9, 2022 unrest.
Despite a formal rejection of compensation claims, Rajapaksa is accused of pressuring certain government officials—using his official position—to secure a compensation payment of Rs. 8.85 million for the damages.
