Former Justice Minister's Son Arrested by Bribery Commission in Rs. 120 Million Scandal
Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Rajapaksa Among Three Suspects Remanded Over Alleged Bribe Linked to Underworld Figure "Harak Kata"
The Arrest: A High-Profile Corruption Investigation
In a significant development underscoring Sri Lanka's intensified anti-corruption drive, Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksa, son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, was arrested on June 25, 2026, by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) . Two other suspects were taken into custody alongside him: Charith Wasantha Kumara Abeysinghe, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) organiser for the Horana electorate, and Varushahennadige Aruna Sri Chathuranga, a former Director of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd .
The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, subsequently remanded all three suspects until July 3, 2026 .
The Allegations: A Bribe to Secure the Release of a Drug Kingpin
The Dubai Meetings and the Rs. 500 Million Demand
According to CIABOC, the arrests stem from an investigation into the solicitation and acceptance of a large-scale bribe linked to alleged drug kingpin Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias "Harak Kata" .
The Commission alleges that in 2023, the suspects met with Madhushika Madhuwanthi, the wife of Harak Kata, in Dubai, where they initially demanded Rs. 500 million . This amount was subsequently reduced to Rs. 200 million, of which Rs. 120 million was allegedly obtained as an advance payment .
The Quid Pro Quo
In exchange for the bribe, the suspects allegedly promised to use political and legal influence to :
Ensure Harak Kata's safety while in custody
Secure the cancellation of his detention orders issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
Prevent his transfer to the high-security Boossa Prison
Facilitate his release from ongoing criminal investigations and legal proceedings
At the time of the alleged transactions, Harak Kata was being detained by the CID under detention orders .
Legal Analysis: The Charges and Legal Framework
The Bribery Act and Penalties
Under the Bribery Act (No. 2 of 1965), the offence of soliciting and accepting bribes by any person in connection with government benefits or official acts is punishable with up to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine . The Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 has further strengthened CIABOC's enforcement powers, extending the definition of bribery and empowering the Commission to arrest and initiate proceedings against suspects .
The Role of CIABOC
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was established under Act No. 19 of 1994 and has been empowered by recent legislation to conduct joint investigations with foreign authorities . In this case, CIABOC invoked Section 149 of its enabling Act, filing a certificate requiring the court to consider "special circumstances" for bail . The Magistrate observed that no such special circumstances were disclosed and ordered remand .
The Criminal Liability of Professionals
As an Attorney-at-Law, Rakitha Rajapaksa is held to a higher standard of conduct. The Supreme Court's disciplinary jurisdiction over attorneys under Section 42(2) of the Judicature Act could be invoked if the allegations are proven, potentially leading to professional sanctions separate from criminal proceedings.
The Proceeds of Crime Dimension
Under the proposed Proceeds of Crime legislation, investigations can be conducted into property believed to be derived from unlawful activities . The Rs. 120 million advance payment, if proven to be a bribe, could be subject to restraint, seizure, and judicial freezing orders .
The Political Context: A Test for the Anti-Corruption Agenda
A Government's Resolve
The arrest comes under the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who came to power in September 2024 on a platform of eradicating corruption . The government has credited the Anti-Corruption Act of 2023 with providing a stronger legal framework to address corruption risks .
"The enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Act in 2023 was a key milestone that propelled the economic reforms in Sri Lanka to success." – State Minister Shehan Semasinghe
The arrest of a former minister's son on bribery charges sends a strong signal about the administration's willingness to pursue high-profile cases, irrespective of political affiliations. Significantly, Rakitha Rajapaksa is not related to the once-powerful Rajapaksa political dynasty; his father Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe served as Justice Minister under the previous government .
The International Dimension
Sri Lanka is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) , and the new legislation aims to implement specific provisions of this convention . CIABOC has been empowered to engage in joint investigations with foreign countries, which is particularly relevant given that the alleged bribe discussions took place in Dubai .
What This Case Reveals About Sri Lanka's Corruption Landscape
The Nexus Between Crime and Power
The Harak Kata case exposes the intersection of organised crime, political influence, and the legal profession. The allegations suggest that the suspects leveraged political connections and legal expertise to attempt to secure favours for a high-profile underworld figure .
The Role of the Legal Profession
The arrest of an Attorney-at-Law raises profound questions about professional ethics. If the allegations are proven, it would represent a significant breach of the legal profession's duty to uphold the rule of law, not subvert it for personal gain.
The Need for International Cooperation
With alleged meetings held in Dubai in 2023, the case highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases .