A significant corruption case involving former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa has moved before the Colombo High Court, raising renewed concerns about the alleged abuse of political influence and public funds within state institutions. Rajapaksa, along with former Acting Director General of the Office for Reparations Sepalika Saman Kumari and Keerthi Bandara Kotagama, was formally served indictments under Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Act in connection with an alleged scheme to obtain millions of rupees in compensation through improper means.
According to the indictments filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the three accused allegedly used political influence and official authority between November 27, 2023, and May 29, 2024, to secure compensation amounting to Rs. 8.85 million from the Office for Reparations. Prosecutors allege that the compensation was awarded following the demolition of a building and other structures that had been illegally constructed on land owned by the Mahaweli Authority in Sevanagala.
The disputed property was destroyed during the period of nationwide unrest associated with the Aragalaya protests. However, investigators allege that despite the structures being unlawfully erected on state-owned land, the accused influenced officials within the Office for Reparations to approve compensation that should not have been granted under the law.
The case highlights what prosecutors describe as a serious abuse of public office, where political influence may have been used to manipulate a government compensation mechanism established to assist genuine victims. If proven in court, such actions would represent a misuse of taxpayer funds and a breach of public trust, undermining the integrity of institutions responsible for administering reparations fairly and independently.
CIABOC filed the indictments before the Colombo High Court on June 19, charging the accused with offences under the Anti-Corruption Act. A total of ten charges have been brought against the three defendants, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations.
When the case was called before Colombo High Court Judge Raveendra Premaratne, the indictments were formally served, and the accused were granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 10 million each. The court also fixed a pre-trial conference for August 5, during which procedural matters will be addressed before the commencement of the trial.
The prosecution has indicated that it intends to call 30 witnesses and submit 38 documents as evidence in support of its case. These witnesses and documentary evidence are expected to play a central role in establishing whether political interference influenced the decision-making process within the Office for Reparations.
The case is likely to attract significant public attention as it proceeds through the courts, particularly given Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in public administration. It is important to note that the allegations remain before the court, and all three accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty following due legal process.