The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has reportedly sent a letter to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka seeking information, prior to formally filing a case against former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal.
According to informed sources, the Commission is preparing to file fresh indictments against Cabraal in the High Court once it receives an official response from the Central Bank.
The Commission had earlier intended to withdraw the indictments filed in December on several technical grounds and refile them. However, at the time, there were concerns that certain groups were planning to spread misinformation suggesting that Cabraal had been acquitted and released. In response, the Commission withdrew the case under Section 67 of the Anti-Corruption Act.
Under the provisions of the Act, if the conditions attached to such a withdrawal are not met, the Commission is legally required to institute a fresh case.
Meanwhile, former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has denied claims circulating on social media that he paid Rs. 1.84 billion in connection with the controversial Greek bond issue.
Cabraal has stated that he did not agree to the condition requiring a deposit of Rs. 1,843,267,595.65 and has reiterated that he continues to maintain his innocence in relation to the allegations.
According to a proposal made by the Bribery Commission, the said amount was to be remitted to a special account of the Central Bank within a period of three months. The Commission has now officially sought confirmation from the Central Bank as to whether this amount was deposited.
Based on the Central Bank’s official response, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is expected to proceed with filing fresh indictments against Cabraal.