Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (12), where he recorded a statement related to the alleged €2 million bribe linked to the 2013 procurement of aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. After over two hours at the commission, Rajapaksa left the premises.

The summons followed a request from CIABOC concerning the controversial Airbus deal, with former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne also reportedly notified to appear before the commission.

Rajapaksa’s media spokesman, Attorney Manoj Gamage, stated that the former president’s legal team is scheduled to meet shortly to discuss the legal aspects of the case.

Gamage emphasized that the summons was issued based on a confession made by the late SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, who previously claimed in court that the confession was obtained under duress and threats.

Gamage argued that if the summons relied solely on this confession, it could be considered unlawful.