A team comprising several officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has reportedly travelled to Australia to gather crucial information in connection with several high-profile investigations currently under way.
It has been learned that the officers departed for Australia to obtain information relating to multiple investigations involving former powerful politicians, senior government officials, and the son of a former powerful president.
According to reports, one of the key objectives of the visit is to pursue further action through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in relation to the case involving the purchase of a fleet of ten aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013. The case concerns allegations that the former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, his wife Priyanka Niomali Wijenayake, and the third suspect, Shamindra Rajapaksa, received a bribe of US$2 million from a European airline company during the procurement process.
It has also been learned that W.D. Nimal Perera, who is said to be the owner of the bank account through which the alleged bribe money was transferred, is currently residing in Australia. Investigators are expected to record a statement from him during the visit.
In addition, the visiting officers are reportedly expected to conduct investigations into properties and bank accounts in Australia linked to several government officials who are alleged to have accumulated significant wealth within a short period.
The officials have also reportedly taken with them a file relating to a parcel of land allegedly purchased in Australia by the son of a former powerful president, as part of the ongoing investigations.
