Those arrested are Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksa, son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana organizer Charith Vasantha Kumara Abeysinghe, and former Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Corporation Director Warusha Hennadige Aruna Sri Chaturanga.
According to CIABOC, the arrests stem from an investigation into the solicitation and acceptance of an enormous bribe from Madhushika Madhuwanthi, the wife of Harak Kata, while the alleged drug kingpin was being held under detention orders issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Investigators allege that the suspects initially demanded Rs. 5,000 million in exchange for securing a series of benefits for Harak Kata. The amount was subsequently reduced to Rs. 2,000 million, with Rs. 1,200 million allegedly paid as an advance.
The Commission said the suspects had claimed they could use their political connections and influence within the legal system to protect Harak Kata from threats to his life while in custody, secure the withdrawal of his detention orders, prevent his transfer to the high-security Boossa Prison, and ultimately ensure that he was cleared of criminal investigations and related court proceedings.
The alleged negotiations are reported to have taken place in Dubai in 2023, where the promises were made to Harak Kata’s wife in return for the massive payment.
The arrests mark a significant development in one of the most high-profile corruption investigations undertaken by CIABOC in recent years, with investigators focusing on allegations that influence and access to powerful state institutions were offered in exchange for vast sums of money.
The three suspects are expected to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, while further investigations are continuing.
