“I’m not scared at all… But I don’t know if they’ll take me to show hidden weapons,” SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said as he arrived at the CID this morning to provide a statement regarding the SriLankan Airlines Airbus deal.
The investigation focuses on alleged corruption in the 2013 transaction to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft.
The deal, which involved then-SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, has come under scrutiny following a UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation. The probe revealed that $16.84 million in bribes were paid as part of the agreement. It was further uncovered that $2 million was deposited into a Brunei account linked to Chandrasena’s wife, with additional funds transferred to other accounts.
Rajapaksa stated that he and his family receiving summons was a good thing, as it allowed them to prove their innocence. He claimed that the move was politically motivated, pointing out that a former member of the Anti-Corruption Unit under the Good Governance government is now the Public Security Minister.
“Now everyone can say if they have hidden money that the Rajapaksas are behind them to rescue themselves because the government is keen on a witch hunt against our family,” he said.
He also questioned the government’s priorities, stating that while it was acceptable for them to prosecute his family, they should also ensure that suspects appearing in court are properly handled.
