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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was questioned by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday, has said that the government has yet to prove any of the allegations made against him and accused the administration of engaging in political witch-hunts.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Rajapaksa said that despite multiple accusations being made, no evidence has been presented to substantiate them. He added that he is prepared to face any fair investigation and would be cleared of all charges if due process is followed.
He also called on investigators to examine an affidavit submitted by the late former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, in which Chandrasena reportedly alleged that he was subjected to threats and intimidation by CIABOC officials.
Rajapaksa further claimed that the government is using political investigations to distract from economic challenges and governance failures, rather than addressing public concerns.
The Bribery Commission had summoned Rajapaksa and former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne to record statements regarding allegations connected to the 2013 purchase of 14 Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines, a deal that allegedly caused significant financial losses to the state.
The investigation stems from claims made by Chandrasena, who was identified as a key suspect, and court submissions alleging that he facilitated payments amounting to Rs. 60 million to the former President as part of a wider US$2 million kickback scheme linked to the aircraft procurement.
