The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has arrested three individuals, including Rakitha Nirmala Rajapakshe, the son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, over allegations of soliciting and accepting a massive bribe linked to underworld figure Nandun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, widely known as “Harak Kata.”
The other two suspects taken into custody are Charith Wasantha Kumara Abeysinghe, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) organiser for the Horana electorate, and Varusha Hannadige Aruna Sri Chathuranga, a former director of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Ltd. and the Civil Aviation Authority.
According to CIABOC, the suspects allegedly demanded Rs. 500 million from Madhushika Madhuwanthi, the wife of Harak Kata, during meetings held in Dubai in 2023. The payment was reportedly sought in exchange for arranging the removal of detention orders against the organised crime suspect, preventing his alleged killing by police, facilitating his transfer from the high-security Boossa Prison, and securing relief from ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
Investigators allege that the amount was later reduced to Rs. 200 million and that an advance payment of Rs. 120 million was subsequently requested and received.
CIABOC stated that the arrests were made in connection with these allegations, and the suspects are due to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings.
