Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (17).
He appeared before the Commission to provide a statement in connection with an investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and his subsequent training at the British Royal Naval College. Following several hours of questioning by investigators, he was arrested.
Although Rajapaksa had been summoned to appear before the Bribery Commission yesterday (16) to give a statement regarding the investigation, he had informed the Commission in writing that he would be unable to attend due to proceedings at the Court of Appeal. Accordingly, his appearance was rescheduled for this morning, after which he was taken into custody.
What are the allegations against Yoshitha Rajapaksa?
According to investigations conducted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, several serious irregularities have been uncovered regarding Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and his subsequent overseas training.
Failure to Meet Basic Entry Qualifications
Under the standard recruitment procedure for cadet officers in the Sri Lanka Navy, applicants are required to have passed the GCE Advanced Level Examination in either the Science or Mathematics stream. However, investigations by the Commission have revealed that Yoshitha Rajapaksa completed his Advanced Level studies in the Arts stream and therefore did not meet the minimum qualifications required for entry as a naval officer.
Recruitment Criteria Allegedly Altered
Investigators have found that the recruitment criteria initially recommended for naval cadet officers were subsequently revised to facilitate Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s admission to the Navy. New newspaper advertisements reflecting the amended requirements were reportedly published.
Furthermore, issues relating to his GCE Ordinary Level qualifications that arose during the recruitment process in December were allegedly addressed by modifying the eligibility criteria to align with his educational background.
Overseas Training and Public Expenditure
In September 2006, then Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda reportedly wrote to the British Royal Naval College seeking admission for Yoshitha Rajapaksa. Although the institution responded in November of the same year, it is alleged that the college clearly stated that the training could not be offered on a full scholarship basis and that the relevant costs would need to be covered.
Subsequently, after joining the Navy, Yoshitha Rajapaksa travelled to the United Kingdom in January 2007 and underwent training at the British Royal Naval College for more than one and a half years. Investigations conducted by the Bribery Commission have further revealed that the substantial expenses associated with this training programme were funded through public funds of the Sri Lankan government.
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