Bribery Commission grills Rajapaksa over alleged unlawful housing allocations

19-Mar-2026

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Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in Colombo this week, where he recorded a statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The inquiry relates to allegations that several housing units in a residential complex had been unlawfully allocated to a number of individuals.

Earlier, the Commission summoned Rajapaksa to appear on February 13. But, he informed the Commission in writing that he would be travelling to Singapore on that date and requested that his appearance be rescheduled.

On March 18, he appeared before the Commission, where his statement was recorded. 

The investigation forms part of wider scrutiny into alleged corruption and abuse of power involving senior figures of the former administration, amid continuing calls for accountability over governance and financial misconduct in Sri Lanka.

Rajapaksa, who served as president during a period marked by economic collapse and mass protests, has faced sustained criticism over allegations of corruption, mismanagement and impunity. 

His appearance before the Commission comes as legal and institutional processes continue to examine actions taken during his time in office.