Shasheendra Indicted Over Rs. 8.8 Mn Compensation Claim

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption today filed indictments before the Colombo High Court against former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa and two others, over alleged irregularities linked to a controversial compensation claim.

The case centres on allegations that the accused unlawfully obtained Rs. 8.8 million in compensation for damage to a property located in the Sewanagala area, which belongs to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority. The property, including an unauthorised structure built on the land, was reportedly destroyed during the period of the Aragalaya protests in the country.

According to the indictments, the accused are alleged to have exerted influence on officials of the Office for Reparations to secure compensation for the damaged property.

Authorities claim that this action constitutes an offence under the country’s anti-corruption laws.

The Bribery Commission has stated that the alleged offences took place over a period spanning from November 27, 2023, to May 29, 2024, during which the compensation claim was processed and funds were allegedly obtained unlawfully.

In addition to Shasheendra Rajapaksa, the other two individuals named in the case are Sepalika Saman Kumari, who served as the Acting Director General of the Office for Reparations in Colombo, and Keerthi Bandara Kotagama.

All three defendants face a total of 10 charges in connection with the case.

Prosecutors are expected to present 30 witnesses and 38 pieces of evidence during the trial.