Namal Rajapaksa Remanded Until 30 Sept. in Airbus Investigation ⚖️

• Case Overview: Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has been further remanded until 30 September by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. He is named as the fourth suspect in a money laundering probe linked to alleged financial irregularities in the aviation sector regarding SriLankan Airlines' Airbus procurement. • Judicial Proceedings & Clarifications: • Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena deferred the ruling on Rajapaksa’s bail application to seek three specific legal clarifications from the prosecution. • Questions focused on whether anti-bribery and money laundering inquiries are joint, if the case requires transfer to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, and if the CIABOC Director General filed a Section 149 certificate under the Anti-Corruption Act. • Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara confirmed that the required certificate was filed and stated written submissions on the remaining points will be submitted. • Next Steps: Clarifications are due on 30 September, after which the Magistrate will deliver the formal ruling on the bail application.