The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a special investigation into an alleged luxury vehicle smuggling racket involving a son of a former President, according to a report published by the state-owned newspaper Dinamina.

The report did not identify the former President or the individual alleged to be involved.

According to Dinamina, investigators are probing the alleged illegal importation of luxury vehicles worth millions of rupees by evading Customs duties during previous administrations.

The report claimed that several vehicles had allegedly been brought into the country concealed inside shipping containers and that some were being used by children of politically connected individuals.

It further alleged that some of the vehicles had been registered with the assistance of corrupt officials at the Department of Motor Traffic.

Dinamina also reported that investigators had found instances where Customs duties were later paid for vehicles instead of the vehicles being confiscated.

The newspaper further claimed that one such vehicle had previously been seized by the CID and handed over to Sri Lanka Customs, where it remains in custody.

According to the report, the son of the former President is expected to be summoned by the CID for questioning next week as part of the ongoing investigation.

No official statement has yet been issued by the Police or the CID regarding the reported investigation. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says the government is open to considering requests made by former Presidents concerning security. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said the government is committed to ensuring the safety of former presidents, despite the introduction of the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act.

“Several privileges afforded to former presidents were removed after the passage of the Act. Several former presidents have already handed over certain benefits received by them, such as houses and vehicles,” he said. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala further explained that, however, the security factor does not fall under the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act.

“As such, some former presidents have returned the vehicles used for their security. Even though some privileges have been removed under the act, the government is committed to ensuring their security. If required, they can make a request pertaining to security, including vehicles. The government is prepared to consider such requests,” the minister said. (Newswire)

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The government has issued a breakdown of the salaries, allowances, and other expenses incurred on behalf of retired Presidents and widowed spouses from 2017 to 2025.

According to a report shared by the Government Information Department, the expense has been recorded for Hema Premadasa, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The breakdown of the salaries, allowances, and other expenses incurred by the government is as follows;

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