Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Namal Rajapaksa Named Main Suspect in Airbus Bribery Investigation
The Attorney General has directed the Criminal Investigation Department to designate Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa as the principal suspect in an alleged bribery case linked to SriLankan Airlines' aircraft procurement. The investigation concerns allegations that a US$2 million bribe was received in connection with the purchase of a 10-aircraft fleet from a European airline manufacturer.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Attorney General's office has instructed criminal investigators to formally name Rajapaksa as the main suspect in the high-profile case, which centres on the national carrier's major aircraft acquisition deal. Additional Solicitor General and President's Counsel Dileepa Peiris is reported to be overseeing the legal proceedings related to the inquiry.
The alleged bribery occurred during the procurement process for SriLankan Airlines' fleet expansion, a significant transaction for the state-owned airline. The investigation has focused on whether improper payments were made to facilitate the deal with the European aircraft manufacturer.
The case marks a significant development in Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to investigate alleged corruption in major government contracts. Rajapaksa, who serves as a Member of Parliament, has been at the centre of public scrutiny regarding his involvement in various state matters.
The formal designation of a main suspect typically signals that investigators have gathered sufficient evidence to pursue charges. The case is expected to proceed through Sri Lanka's judicial system in the coming months.