Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and 3 others were acquitted of the case on the 2011 purchase of Greek Bonds by the Colombo High Court, after the Bribery Commission (CIABOC) withdrew the charges.
The Bribery Commission announced today that the case was withdrawn against Ajith Nivard Cabraal, subject to strict conditions laid down under the Bribery Act.
The Colombo High Court allowed the request after the first accused, Cabraal, applied for the charges to be considered for withdrawal under Section 67(1) of the Bribery Act.
Following a review under Section 67(2), the Director General of the Bribery Commission agreed, with the Commission’s approval, to withdraw the charge under Section 67(3), on the condition that Cabraal deposits Rs. 1,843,267,595.65 as compensation for the alleged loss to the state.
According to the Commission, the amount must be paid into a designated Central Bank account within three months from Dec. 10, 2025. If the payment is not made within the deadline, charges will be refiled under Section 67(5) of the Act.
Charges against the other four accused in the case were withdrawn under Section 194(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the High Court has released them accordingly.
The Bribery Commission further clarified that media claims suggesting the accused have been acquitted or declared innocent are inaccurate, as the case has been conditionally withdrawn and may be reinstated if payment is not made. (Newswire)