The legal path of the controversial Airbus deal, which has stirred the country's political and economic spheres for many years, has reached a critical juncture. This follows the Chief Justice's approval to file a case before the Permanent Three-Judge High Court panel in Colombo against four defendants, including Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna's National Organizer, Member of Parliament Lakshman Namal Rajapaksa.
Yesterday (27th), when suspect Namal Rajapaksa was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama by prison officials, Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, appearing in court representing the Bribery Commission and the Attorney General, informed the court of this latest legal development.
The Bribery Commission has already submitted the relevant indictments under number HC/PTAB/BR01/2026 to the Permanent Three-Judge panel. It includes 24 charges and 59 witnesses. The other defendants in this case are Shamindra Rajapaksa, son of former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, who is currently absconding abroad, 'BIZ SOLUTIONS INC' company, and Priyanka Neomali Wijenaike, wife of the late Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines.
The Deputy Solicitor General pointed out to the court that since the indictments against the defendants have been filed, the Permanent Three-Judge High Court now has full authority to issue orders. He also emphasized that the Chief Magistrate has no other option but to keep the suspect in remand until the said panel of judges issues notices.
Responding to this, President's Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing for Namal Rajapaksa, stated that since another case is already being heard before the relevant three-judge panel, it is uncertain when the Airbus case will be called. He also argued that if the Magistrate's Court process concludes, the Magistrate would not have the authority to issue further remand orders for the suspect.
Considering the arguments of both parties, Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama announced his order in open court, clarifying the legal limitations of his court. He pointed out that according to Section 149 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, when a certificate from the Director General of the Bribery Commission has been submitted, a suspect must be kept in remand until the trial concludes, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
"However, indictments against Namal Rajapaksa and other defendants related to this case have already been filed before the Permanent Three-Judge High Court panel. Therefore, this court does not have the authority to consider the bail application of suspect Namal Rajapaksa," the Magistrate said, adding, "That is the only thing I can do."
Accordingly, the Chief Magistrate ordered the prison to produce the suspect without delay before the Permanent Three-Judge High Court panel in Colombo today (28th). It was further ordered that he should be kept in prison custody until then, and that a report on the suspect's production before the High Court should be submitted to his court on the 30th. Thus, the role of the Magistrate's Court concludes, and the legal proceedings of the Airbus deal have been officially transferred to the Permanent Three-Judge High Court.
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