Sri Lankan authorities have arrested Namal Rajapaksa, a lawmaker and son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, in connection with an alleged bribery case involving a 2013 aircraft deal with Airbus. The 40-year-old was detained by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) following an interrogation related to the $2.3 billion deal.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama ordered Namal Rajapaksa to be held in custody for two weeks as investigations continue. According to CIABOC, Namal Rajapaksa is suspected of receiving $800,000 through two bank accounts in Singapore, funds allegedly linked to payments by the European aircraft manufacturer to secure the purchase agreement.
Investigators say a Sri Lankan businessman facilitated the transfer of these funds to Rajapaksa. Earlier this year, CIABOC also questioned former president Mahinda Rajapaksa regarding claims that he too had received kickbacks connected to the transaction. The aircraft deal was eventually canceled in 2016 after a change in government.
The ongoing probe focuses on allegations that Airbus paid bribes to senior Sri Lankan politicians and officials to win contracts related to the purchase. The Rajapaksa family has denied all accusations, characterizing them as politically motivated efforts to undermine their influence.
The case marks one of several high-profile anti-corruption investigations in Sri Lanka targeting former leaders and their associates. Authorities have intensified scrutiny of major agreements struck during previous administrations as part of broader efforts to address graft allegations.