Colombo — Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an alleged attempt to fraudulently obtain compensation for property damage on government land.
Rajapaksa was taken into custody early Tuesday at his residence in Nugegoda. The arrest stems from an incident during the 2022 island-wide protests, when several unauthorized structures — including a building in the Sevanagala-Kiriibban Wewa area — were damaged by fire.
The property in question was located on land belonging to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority. According to CIABOC, compensation claims for the damage were initially rejected after it was confirmed the structures were illegally built on state-owned land. However, Rajapaksa is accused of using his former ministerial influence to pressure officials at the damage assessment office in an attempt to override the decision and secure compensation through another individual.
The Bribery Commission stated that Rajapaksa’s actions amounted to corruption, misuse of public office, and illegal use of state property. He is also accused of conspiring to commit these offenses, which fall under Section 5(1) of the State Property (Recovery of Possession) Act No. 12 of 1982, as amended.
Following his arrest, Rajapaksa was taken to the Bribery Commission headquarters where a statement is currently being recorded. He is expected to be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
This marks a significant development in the country’s ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for alleged misuse of power and state resources.
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