Namal Rajapaksa faces indictment in Airbus bribery and money laundering probe

Investigations into alleged money laundering and bribery involving Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa regarding the procurement of Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines have reached a critical stage. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that its inquiry into the money laundering allegations is complete, with steps being taken to initiate proceedings in a higher court.

In a related development, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has further remanded Rajapaksa until October 27 in connection with the Airbus bribery case. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has been ordered to take immediate steps to file indictments. Prosecutors have indicated that a joint indictment based on investigations by both the CID and the Bribery Commission is being prepared for the Attorney General.

A request has been made to the Chief Justice to have the suspects tried before a Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar. Additionally, Interpol Red Notices have been obtained for two other suspects, Priyanka Niyomali and Shamindra Rajapaksa, as efforts continue to secure their attendance through international law enforcement channels.