Court orders CIABOC to submit report on Krrish funds misappropriation case

By T. Farook Thajudeen

The Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to submit a report on 26 March regarding its ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Krrish real estate funds by SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Magistrate Nilupul Lankapura issued the directive yesterday, following submissions made by Rajapaksa’s legal counsel Sampath Mendis PC, who appeared alongside Attorney-at-Law Muditha Lokumudalige.

The case revolves around allegations that Rajapaksa received Rs. 70 million from India’s Krrish Group, ostensibly for the development of rugby in Sri Lanka. 

The Attorney General has already filed indictments against him in the Colombo High Court, alongside multiple other cases related to the controversial real estate project.

During the hearing, Rajapaksa’s Counsel accused the CIABOC of conducting politically motivated investigations, arguing that the probe deviated from standard judicial practices. He further alleged that the CIABOC has misled the Court by claiming to have sought assistance from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Germany regarding the investigation, stating that inquiries with the Justice and Foreign Ministers had revealed no record of such communications.

The defence requested the Court to order the CIABOC to clarify its position and verify the authenticity of the purported international requests for assistance. Acknowledging the concerns raised, Magistrate Lankapura directed the CIABOC to submit a report on its findings and the status of its investigations by 26 March 2025.