The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana organiser Charith Abeysinghe and attorney Rakitha Rajapaksa in connection with a long-running probe into alleged large-scale bribery linked to the detention and legal handling of suspect Nadun Chinthaka, alias “Harak Kata.”
The Commission alleges the two were involved in soliciting a substantial sum-initially reportedly 500 million rupees, later reduced in negotiations-with an advance of 120 million rupees said to have been collected as part of the scheme.
Authorities say the alleged demand was first made in 2023 in Dubai to the suspect’s wife and that the investigation proceeded after an anonymous complaint in March last year; CIABOC officials carried out extensive inquiries before effecting the arrests.
The suspects were produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, where defence counsel told the court that Charith has a heart condition and Rakitha suffers from a sleep disorder.
Political and institutional reactions were swift. SJB leader Sajith Premadasa said the party will carry out a disciplinary probe into Charith Abeysinghe, signaling the party’s intent to distance itself pending investigation results.
Rakitha’s father, former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa, visited CIABOC following his son’s arrest.
Criticism and concerns
Critics argued the arrests highlight persistent allegations that political connections and influence-peddling remain a problem in handling high-profile detainees, and they urged stronger safeguards and independent oversight in detention and transfer decisions.
Some commentators questioned whether CIABOC’s timing and publicity around the arrests could be politicized; opposition and civil-society voices urged a transparent prosecution and full disclosure of evidence to avoid perceptions of selective targeting.
Media outlets also reported an audio leak circulating after the arrests, which intensified public scrutiny and raised concerns about evidence handling and media ethics in active investigations.
Next steps
CIABOC has said the investigation will continue while the suspects remain in custody and are to be further produced in court as inquiries proceed.
The SJB disciplinary process and any formal criminal charges that follow will shape subsequent political and legal fallout.
