Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s son, Rakitha Rajapakshe, former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana organiser Charith Abeysinghe, and former Executive Director of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Limited, Aruna Sri Warushahennadige, have been further remanded until July 17 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after considering the facts presented by the Assistant Director (Legal) of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and counsel appearing for the suspects, said Ada Derana reporter.
The Magistrate also rejected the bail applications, observing that no exceptional circumstances had been presented to warrant the granting of bail.
The three suspects were arrested by CIABOC and were remanded until today (03) after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
According to the CIABOC, the investigation relates to events that allegedly occurred in March 2023, when organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias "Harak Kata," was being held under detention orders issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following his arrest in Madagascar.
The commission alleged that Rakitha Rajapakshe, Charith Abeysinghe, and Aruna Sri Warushahennadige travelled to Dubai on the same flight, where they met Harak Kata's wife, Madushika Maduwanthi, and an associate identified as "Midigama Ruwan."
Investigators allege that the suspects demanded a bribe of Rs. 500 million, claiming they could influence official processes to prevent ‘Harak Kata’ from being killed while in custody, secure the removal of his detention orders, arrange his transfer from Boossa High-Security Prison to another correctional facility, and facilitate his release from ongoing investigations.
The alleged demand was subsequently reduced to Rs. 200 million, of which Rs. 120 million was allegedly paid in two instalments—an initial payment of Rs. 100 million followed by a further Rs. 20 million. The Commission further stated that the funds were allegedly brought into Sri Lanka through the Undiyal system.
According to the investigation, the three suspects later returned to Sri Lanka together on the same flight.
During court proceedings on June 25, Assistant Legal Director Anusha Sambandapperuma, appearing on behalf of CIABOC, informed the court that the investigation commenced following an anonymous complaint received by the Commission.
The prosecution submitted that, while Harak Kata remained in detention in 2023, Charith Abeysinghe allegedly contacted Nirmala Bandara, alias “Herbie”, a close associate of “Harak Kata”, by telephone. He allegedly warned that Harak Kata's life was at risk while in custody and claimed that he could arrange his transfer from Boossa Prison and provide other forms of relief. It was further alleged that Abeysinghe instructed Herbie to negotiate these arrangements with Harak Kata's wife.
The prosecution further informed the court that the three suspects travelled to Dubai on March 25, 2023, where they allegedly collected the bribe money from Harak Kata's wife at Herbie's residence. Although the initial demand was allegedly Rs. 500 million, it was later reduced to Rs. 200 million, with Rs. 120 million allegedly received as an advance.
The court was also informed that, after the alleged promises were not fulfilled, Harak Kata's wife demanded the return of the money. Investigators allege that Charith Abeysinghe subsequently refunded Rs. 20 million through an individual identified as Midigama Lasantha, who has since been killed.
The prosecution further stated that Harak Kata's wife had submitted a written complaint to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), while Harak Kata himself had provided a statement to investigating officers. CIABOC informed the court that a certificate issued by the Director General of the Commission under Section 149 of the Anti-Corruption Act had been filed against the suspects and requested that bail be refused due to the seriousness of the allegations.
