Sri Lanka Arrests Ex-President's Son Over Alleged 800,000 dollar Airbus Bribe

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Namal Rajapaksa, over allegations that he received an $800,000 bribe linked to a controversial Airbus aircraft deal involving SriLankan Airlines. Namal Rajapaksa, a 40-year-old opposition lawmaker and prominent member of Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa political family, was taken into custody after being questioned for several hours by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). A court later ordered that he remain in custody until September 18 as investigators continue examining the allegations surrounding the aircraft transaction.

The case relates to a major deal dating back to 2013, when SriLankan Airlines planned to purchase Airbus aircraft as part of an effort to expand and modernise its fleet. Investigators allege that approximately $800,000 was channelled to Rajapaksa through two Singapore bank accounts. The payment was allegedly arranged through a Sri Lankan businessman and was connected to the wider aircraft transaction.

The proposed Airbus deal was worth roughly $2.3 billion and became controversial after Sri Lanka's government changed in 2015. The planned aircraft purchases were subsequently cancelled in 2016. Authorities have now reopened scrutiny of the transaction as part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption involving the country's former political leadership. Rajapaksa has denied the allegations and has not been convicted of any wrongdoing. His arrest represents an allegation under investigation, and prosecutors will need to establish the evidence in court before any criminal liability can be determined.

The investigation also comes against the backdrop of a wider international bribery case involving Airbus. In 2020, the European aircraft manufacturer reached settlements with authorities in France, the United Kingdom and the United States following investigations into alleged improper payments connected to aircraft sales in several countries. Airbus agreed to pay billions of dollars to resolve those investigations.

Sri Lankan authorities have been examining whether payments connected to the country's aircraft purchases were improperly made to individuals involved in the deal. An Airbus delegation reportedly visited Colombo in August to assist with the investigation, adding an international dimension to the case. The arrest is particularly significant because Namal Rajapaksa remains an influential opposition politician. His father, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who served as Sri Lanka's president from 2005 to 2015, has also faced questioning over allegations related to the Airbus transaction. Mahinda Rajapaksa has denied receiving kickbacks.

Sri Lanka has intensified efforts to investigate alleged corruption linked to previous administrations, particularly following the country's devastating economic crisis. The government has faced continued public pressure to recover allegedly misappropriated funds and hold powerful political figures accountable. The Airbus investigation could therefore become an important test of Sri Lanka's anti-corruption efforts. Investigators are expected to examine financial records, bank transfers and communications to determine how the alleged $800,000 payment was made and whether it was directly connected to the aircraft deal. The case remains under investigation, with the court proceedings expected to determine the next steps. Any further charges will depend on the evidence gathered by Sri Lankan authorities as they continue to examine the disputed Airbus transaction and the individuals allegedly involved.

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