🏛️ Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Appear Before CIABOC Today

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) at 9:00 a.m. today, May 12, 2026. • Investigation Context: The summons is reportedly linked to a statement previously provided by Kapila Chandrasena, the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines. • Legal Defense: Rajapaksa’s legal spokesperson, Manoj Gamage, stated that while the former President will cooperate with the inquiry, they contest the validity of the evidence. Gamage claims the original statement by Chandrasena was obtained under coercion, citing a subsequent affidavit filed in court to that effect. • Economic Implications: This inquiry follows long-standing scrutiny into the financial management and procurement processes of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) like the national carrier, which remain critical focal points for Sri Lanka's broader economic governance and transparency reforms. • Status: The legal team intends to pursue further action if the Commission relies on what they deem an "unlawfully obtained" statement. 📈