FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently appeared before the nation’s anti-corruption authority to provide a statement regarding a contentious Airbus procurement agreement from 2013.
Rajapaksa was subjected to nearly two hours of questioning by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) concerning the deal.
Documents from a British court in 2020 indicated that Airbus had made attempts to influence the transaction, allegedly offering up to $16 million, with $2 million reportedly funneled to a shell company linked to the spouse of Kapila Chandrasena, the former CEO of Sri Lankan Airlines.
This inquiry into Rajapaksa follows claims made by Chandrasena, who purportedly stated that from the $2 million in alleged bribes, Rs. 60 million was directed to Rajapaksa.
Tragically, Chandrasena was discovered deceased at a relative’s home in Colombo on Friday (08), just days after being released on bail and a day after a new arrest warrant had been issued against him.
The investigation is part of an expedited effort to examine claims that Airbus engaged in bribery to facilitate the sale of 14 aircraft during Rajapaksa’s presidency.
Rajapaksa’s attorney, Manoj Gamage, confirmed that the former president is committed to participating in the investigation. “He is not someone who shies away from challenges; he does not retreat out of fear,” Gamage stated.
The Airbus transaction continues to be a significant source of public discontent, as Sri Lankan citizens are burdened with the considerable debt and financial repercussions stemming from these excessively priced purchases. (Colombo/May 12/2026)
