News Today: Latest update on Shasheendra Rajapaksa corruption remand news Sri Lanka as the former State Minister faces serious legal charges.

Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa has been remanded by the Colombo Chief Magistrate until August 19 following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). He was taken into custody on August 6 at his residence in Nugegoda, in connection with a serious corruption investigation.

Rajapaksa is accused of unlawfully obtaining compensation for a property located in Sevanagala, in the Kiriibban Wewa area, which was reportedly damaged during the nationwide protests on May 9, 2022. The property in question, however, is owned by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.

According to CIABOC, although the damage assessment process had initially determined that the property belonged to the state and therefore was not eligible for compensation, Shasheendra Rajapaksa allegedly used his political influence to pressure officials to reverse the decision. This undue interference led to an unlawful compensation attempt, triggering corruption allegations.

The charges brought against Rajapaksa include unlawfully acquiring compensation, conspiracy to commit such acts, and the illegal use of state property—offenses punishable under Section 5(1) of the Offenses Against Public Property Act No. 12 of 1982, as amended by Act No. 28 of 1999.

Following his arrest, Rajapaksa was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate, who ordered his remand until August 19. The case highlights renewed efforts by Sri Lankan authorities to crack down on high-profile political corruption.

CIABOC continues to investigate the matter as legal proceedings unfold, potentially setting a major precedent in the battle against corruption in the country.