The three individuals — Attorney Rakhitha Rajapaksa, son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe; Charith Abeysinghe, former organiser of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Horana electorate; and Aruna Warusawithana, a former director of the Civil Aviation Authority — have now been produced before court. I Sri Lanka Latest News
The Bribery Commission stated that in March 2023, Rakhitha Rajapaksa (son of then Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe), Charith Abeysinghe, and Aruna Warusawithana travelled to Dubai together on the same flight.
It is further alleged that they met Madushika Maduwanthi, the wife of underworld figure “Harak Kata,” and organised crime figure Midigama Ruwan while in Dubai.
According to the Commission, they claimed they could prevent Harak Kata from being killed by police, remove detention orders, transfer him from the Boossa high-security prison to another facility, and assist in freeing him from investigations. In return, they initially demanded a bribe of Rs. 500 million.
This amount was later reduced to Rs. 200 million, and an advance payment of Rs. 100 million was allegedly received first, followed by a further Rs. 20 million.
It is also reported that the money was transferred to Sri Lanka through the informal “undiyal” system.
Investigations further revealed that Rakhitha Rajapaksa, Charith Abeysinghe, and Aruna Warusawithana later returned to Sri Lanka on the same flight.
Details presented in court on June 25 are as follows:
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Anusha Samanthapperuma, appearing for the Bribery Commission, told court that the investigation was initiated based on an anonymous complaint received by the Commission.
She stated that in 2023, while Nadun Chinthaka alias “Harak Kata” was in detention, suspect Charith Abeysinghe had contacted a close associate of Harak Kata named Nirmala Bandara alias “Herbie.” He allegedly warned that Harak Kata could be killed while in custody and claimed arrangements could be made to transfer him from Boossa Prison to another facility and provide other relief.
He then allegedly instructed that a “deal” be arranged with Harak Kata’s wife.
Following this, Charith Abeysinghe, Attorney Rakhitha Rajapaksa, and Aruna travelled to Dubai on March 25, 2023, and allegedly received the bribe money from Harak Kata’s wife at Herbie’s residence.
It is further alleged that they initially demanded Rs. 500 million, later reduced it to Rs. 200 million, and received Rs. 120 million as an advance payment.
However, after the promised arrangements were not fulfilled, Harak Kata’s wife reportedly demanded her money back. It is alleged that Charith Abeysinghe then arranged for Rs. 20 million to be sent back to her through the late Midigama Lasantha.
The Assistant Director further told court that Harak Kata’s wife has lodged a written complaint with the Inspector General of Police, and Harak Kata himself has also given a statement to investigators.
Accordingly, the Bribery Commission has submitted a certificate from its Director General under Section 149 of the Anti-Corruption Act, and requested the court to refuse bail and remand the suspects.
Lawyers for the accused subsequently presented special submissions seeking bail.
