Court maintains asset freeze on lawyer Rajapakshe for three months

The Colombo High Court on Thursday confirmed the continuation of asset restrictions affecting lawyer Rakitha Rajapakshe, son of former Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe. The ruling sustains measures taken by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), which had previously frozen multiple bank accounts and motor vehicles in the lawyer's name.

The court's decision to extend the freeze for three months follows judicial review of the anti-corruption body's actions. The High Court found sufficient grounds to maintain the restrictions pending further investigation or legal proceedings. The case underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to investigate allegations of financial impropriety involving prominent legal professionals and political families.

Rakitha Rajapakshe's assets remain subject to court-ordered restrictions, preventing access to or disposal of the affected accounts and vehicles during the extended freeze period. The three-month extension provides authorities additional time to pursue their investigations into the circumstances that prompted the original asset suspension.

The CIABOC's actions reflect heightened scrutiny of financial transactions and asset holdings among individuals connected to political circles. Such asset freezes are typically employed when authorities suspect proceeds of corruption or bribery, pending completion of investigations and potential prosecution.