Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Tuesday (March 17) to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation being conducted by the anti‑graft body.
According to media reports, Rajapaksa arrived at the CIABOC premises in the morning, where investigators recorded his statement as part of the inquiry. He later left the Commission after completing the process, officials confirmed.
Background to the Investigation
The appearance follows a formal summons issued earlier by CIABOC, directing the former President to present himself before the Commission to assist with investigations currently underway. While the Commission has not publicly disclosed specific details of the allegations under investigation, it has confirmed that the matter relates to an ongoing probe being handled by its investigation unit.
Multiple media outlets have reported that the investigation is linked to alleged irregularities during Rajapaksa’s tenure as Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, prior to his presidency. According to these reports, the inquiry stems from a complaint received by CIABOC, following which statements were recorded from several officials connected to relevant state institutions at the time.
Other Individuals Summoned
In relation to the same investigation, the Bribery Commission has also summoned former Chief Justice and former Attorney General Mohan Peiris to record a statement. He has been instructed to appear before CIABOC on a separate date, according to notifications issued by the Commission.
No Official Comment on Allegations
CIABOC has not issued a public statement outlining the nature of the allegations or the scope of the investigation. Officials have reiterated that the recording of statements does not imply guilt and forms part of routine investigative procedures under the Bribery Act.
Rajapaksa has also not made any public comments regarding his appearance before the Commission or the investigation.
Context
Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as Sri Lanka’s President from 2019 until his resignation in July 2022 amid widespread public protests and an economic crisis. Since leaving office, he has been summoned on multiple occasions by investigative authorities in connection with various complaints, though several past cases were either discontinued or remain under inquiry, depending on the availability of evidence.
The latest development marks one of the most high‑profile appearances by a former head of state before the Bribery Commission in recent months, as CIABOC continues to pursue investigations involving senior former public officials.