Airbus Officials Gave Evidence Four Times in Sri Lanka, Says Deputy Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath says officials from Airbus have travelled to Sri Lanka on four occasions across three separate visits to provide evidence in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Airbus aircraft procurement deal.

Deputy Minister Senarath claimed that funds had been transferred to an account belonging to the wife of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena and that the money had subsequently reached businessman Nimal Perera.

He further alleged that evidence now indicates that a sum of Rs. 100 million was handed over by businessman Nimal Perera to Namal Rajapaksa.

Commenting on recent statements issued by the United National Party (UNP), Senarath questioned the party's criticism of the arrest of Namal Rajapaksa.

He noted that the Airbus investigation had originally commenced in 2015 during the period when Ranil Wickremesinghe served as Prime Minister under the Yahapalana Government.

The Deputy Minister also pointed out that the aircraft deal itself had been cancelled during that administration and stated that compensation amounting to US$116 million had been paid in connection with the cancellation.

Senarath questioned why certain political parties were now defending Rajapaksa despite the investigation having originated during their own tenure in government.