The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Friday informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court that former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was in Dubai during the period his son and two other suspects allegedly accepted a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of alleged organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka, widely known as "Harak Kata."
Following the submissions, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered that the three suspects—Rakitha Rajapakshe, former Samagi Jana Balawegaya Horana organiser Charith Abeysinghe, and former Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Director Aruna Warushahennadige—be further remanded until July 17.
Assistant Director (Legal) of CIABOC, Anusha Sammandapperuma, told court that investigations revealed the three suspects travelled to Dubai on March 25, 2023, and returned on March 29, while Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe had travelled there on March 21 and returned on March 28. Investigators are examining the purpose of the former minister's visit, his meetings and any possible links to the alleged offence.
CIABOC also informed court that Rs. 20 million from the advance payment of the alleged Rs. 120 million bribe had been returned. According to investigators, the money was handed over at the official residence of Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe in Nugegoda before being transferred through intermediaries to Harak Kata's wife. Investigators further alleged that the bribe money had been brought into Sri Lanka through the illegal *Undiyal* money transfer system.
The commission said it is continuing to analyse WhatsApp messages, call records and financial transactions linked to the suspects under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Arrangements are also being made to record a statement from Harak Kata's wife, who is currently overseas, while a separate investigation has been launched into the conduct of officers of the Criminal Investigation Department during the period Harak Kata was in custody.
Counsel appearing for the suspects sought bail, denying the allegations and arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish offences under the relevant provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act. The defence also maintained that the suspects would not interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation.
After considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate rejected the defence's objections to the validity of the Anti-Corruption Act certificate and held that no exceptional circumstances had been presented to justify granting bail at this stage. The court therefore refused the bail applications and ordered that the three suspects remain in remand custody until July 17.
