Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa Further Remanded Until 26th

Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa has been remanded until August 26 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga, following allegations of committing offenses under the Public Property Act.

The case relates to a property in Sevanagala, belonging to the Mahaweli Authority, where a building was allegedly constructed without authorization and later damaged during the 2022 Aragalaya (protest movement). Rajapaksa is accused of pressuring officials to obtain Rs. 88.5 million in compensation for the damaged property.

He was arrested by the Bribery Commission and remanded until today, when the case was taken up in court.

Appearing on behalf of the Bribery Commission, Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Sulochana Hettiarachchi informed the court that several officials from the Mahaweli Authority were also implicated in the fraudulent activity and would be arrested and presented to court in due course.

She further stated that Rajapaksa had exerted pressure on the Director General of the Mahaweli Authority, as revealed in official statements.

“Your Honor, the suspect minister has influenced the Director General and other officials of the Mahaweli Authority to issue letters and facilitate the compensation. Investigations show that undue pressure was applied to the damage assessment officers as well. Since inquiries are ongoing and witnesses may be influenced, we request that the suspect be remanded.”

Representing Rajapaksa, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis argued that his client suffers from sleep apnea, a condition that could pose serious health risks if detained. He requested bail suitable grounds.

“Your Honor, the building in question was destroyed during the 2022 Aragalaya protests due to arson. The land on which it stood belongs to the Mahaweli Authority, and my client is not the owner of this property. The compensation for the damaged building was received by an individual named Manoj Ekanayake. The Bribery Commission has arrested my client on the allegation that he conspired in this matter. However, while the main suspects remain at large, my client has been taken into custody. Your Honor, I respectfully submit that all individuals connected to this incident should be thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, my client suffers from sleep apnea, a condition that poses a serious risk to his life if he remains in custody. He is also preparing to sit for his first-year law exams at the Law College in October. In light of these circumstances, I kindly request that my client be released on suitable bail.”

After considering submissions from both parties, Magistrate Jayatunga ordered that Shasheendra Rajapaksa be remanded until August 26, and instructed investigators to report progress on the inquiry at the next hearing.