By The Pulseline News Desk
Investigations into the alleged Airbus bribery scheme and related money laundering allegations involving Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa have been completed, with the Attorney General’s Department now moving towards filing a joint indictment, marking a significant development in the long-running case.
Namal was further remanded until October 13 today (29) after the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court rejected his application for bail.
The case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, who has ruled that sufficient grounds had not been presented to justify releasing the parliamentarian on bail.
Investigations reach final stage
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, appearing for the Attorney General, has informed court that investigations into both the alleged Airbus bribery incident and the related money laundering allegations had been completed.
He has told court that the relevant investigation extracts had already been forwarded to the Attorney General.
The next step, according to the State, is the preparation and filing of a joint indictment covering both investigations.
The development effectively moves the case from the investigative phase towards prosecution, with the Attorney General’s Department now considering the evidence gathered in the two connected investigations before formal charges are filed.
The conclusion of the investigations is particularly significant given the length of time the allegations have remained under scrutiny and the separate strands of alleged bribery and money laundering being examined by investigators.
Bail rejected
Namal, who remains in remand custody, was produced before court this morning for the hearing.
His request for bail was rejected after the Chief Magistrate determined that sufficient grounds had not been presented to justify his release at this stage.
He will consequently remain in custody until October 13, when the matter is scheduled to be taken up again.
Krrish case adds to legal proceedings
Namal has also appeared before court today in connection with a separate case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations relating to the Krrish transaction.
He has been named as a suspect in that investigation.
However, the latest development in the Airbus case centres on the completion of the investigations into the alleged bribery and money laundering allegations and the Attorney General’s Department’s move towards a joint indictment.
If filed, the indictment will take the case into its next legal phase, shifting the focus from the investigation of the allegations to the formal prosecution and examination of the evidence before court.
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