The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has issued a special notice directing former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to declare his assets and liabilities through an affidavit before April 10.
The notice relates to an investigation first initiated in 2015 into Rajapaksa’s assets during his presidency, covering the period from 2010 to 2015. The probe encompasses both his personal assets and those of his family members.
Airbus Connection
The renewed scrutiny follows revelations in the ongoing Airbus bribery case. Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena disclosed to CIABOC that Rs. 60 million from alleged Airbus bribe funds was paid to Mahinda Rajapaksa on three separate occasions.
The Airbus case centres on allegations that the European aircraft manufacturer paid bribes to secure orders from the national carrier during the Rajapaksa era.
Accountability Push
The notice marks the first time CIABOC has directly targeted Rajapaksa on asset declarations since the 2015 investigation was revived. It comes as part of a broader accountability drive under the Dissanayake government, which has signalled a harder line on corruption cases from previous administrations.
The April 10 deadline will be closely watched — whether the former president complies with the order or mounts a legal challenge could set the tone for how aggressively the anti-corruption body pursues high-profile political figures in the months ahead.
