Former president appears before Central Crimes Investigation Bureau

Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa appeared before the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau today (November 9).

A statement is to be recorded from him in connection with investigations into Sugeeshwara Bandara, leader of the New People's Front, who is currently in remand custody, officials said.

Bandara, who served as Rajapaksa's principal private secretary during his presidency, was arrested in June over allegations that he drew salaries from two state institutions at the same time, misusing public funds. He has been in remand since then.

The charge against him arises from allegations that in 2022 he received salaries for two posts under the President's Expenditure Head. He has been produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court several times, and the case has been filed under the Public Property Act.

The bureau has been recording statements from a number of individuals connected to the case in recent weeks. Investigators have not indicated when the inquiry will be completed or whether further charges will follow.

UPDATE: Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the Colombo Crimes Investigation Bureau after giving a statement lasting nearly two hours. The allegation under investigation is that his former Private Secretary drew two salaries.