Minister Vijitha Herath informed the media that no political figures have been invited for the War Heroes Day Ceremony held in Battaramulla today.

He made the statement in response to questions on why former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had not been invited for the Victory Day commemoration. 

”The President, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, and the tri-forces will participate in the event. No others have been invited,” he said, addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held today. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has left the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after having arrived to record a statement. 

The former President left the Bribery Commission after recording a statement for nearly two hours over the alleged Airbus aircraft deal linked to SriLankan Airlines. 

Mahinda Rajapaksa was issued a summons to appear before the Bribery Commission today regarding the alleged 2 million US Dollars in bribes said to have been given during the purchase of Airbus aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (12).

Mahinda Rajapaksa has appeared before the Bribery Commission to record a statement regarding the incident of a bribe of 2 million US Dollars said to have been given during the purchase of Airbus aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (12).

Mahinda Rajapaksa has appeared before the Bribery Commission to record a statement regarding the incident of a bribe of 2 million US Dollars said to have been given during the purchase of Airbus aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013.

The former President reported to the Bribery Commission following a summons issued to him to appear today.

Meanwhile, the Bribery Commission has also issued a summons to former Minister of Aviation Services Priyankara Jayaratne to appear before the Bribery Commission today in connection with the same matter. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to appear before the Bribery Commission tomorrow (12), his media spokesman, Attorney‑at‑Law Manoj Gamage, confirmed.

Speaking to reporters, he said the former President will present himself at 9.00 am.

Gamage further said that a team of lawyers is expected to meet later today to discuss certain legal matters connected to the summons.

According to Gamage, the summons was issued based on a statement given by the late former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena. 

Pointing out that, however, Chandrasena had submitted an affidavit to the court claiming that his statement was obtained under threat and coercion, Gamage warned that if the summons is based on such testimony, it would be a serious matter.

He further noted that the issue has already been referred to court, and if the summons proceeds based on an unlawful statement, legal action will be taken against the relevant parties.

“Our decision at present is that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will definitely appear. He is not someone who ever runs away from questions. But there are certain legal aspects we must consider. This will be reviewed by the team of lawyers at today’s discussion. However, our decision has not changed. Accordingly, he is scheduled to participate tomorrow. We know that clear allegations have been made against the late Kapila Chandrasena by name to the Director General. If this summons is based on such a statement, we see it entirely as an unlawful act, because Chandrasena has already submitted an affidavit to the court stating that the statement was obtained through force, coercion, and threats,” he told the media. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not been informed yet by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to report to the Commission, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa said.

“He has not received the letter yet,” Namal said, responding to questions raised by journalists on when the former President will appear before the Bribery Commission.

Namal further said that this information was revealed to the media either by the NPP office in Pelawatte or the President’s Office in Colombo. 

“However, this has not been informed via a written letter to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa yet. This was informed at a May day rally, so it is a political summons,” he said. 

Stating that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) will decide whether former President Mahinda rajapaksa should be arrested or not, he added that Mahinda Rajapaksa has faced many obstacles and that they were ready to face them. (Newswire)

“Even though the government told the media, Mahinda Rajapaksa hasn’t received a letter yet,” MP Namal Rajapaksa on former president Mahinda Rajapaksa being summoned to the Bribery Commission. pic.twitter.com/f85zAdNylx

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) May 4, 2026

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has declared that a major plan is underway to regain power.

“We have a big plan to regain power. There will definitely be a change,” he said, in response to questions by reporters regarding the plans this New Year.

Mahinda Rajapaksa added that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was prepared for the change.

Rajapaksa also announced that the SLPP will not hold its May Day rally this year, as International Labour Day coincides with the Vesak festival.

“We will not hold a May Day rally; instead, we will mark the day with religious observances,” he said. (Newswire)

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Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena has claimed that a sum of Rs. 60 million was paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa from funds received through the Airbus deal, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court today (19).

The disclosure was made when CIABOC presented facts before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court during proceedings related to the ongoing Airbus bribery investigation.

According to the submission, Chandrasena had stated that the Rs. 60 million was paid to the former President on three separate occasions.

He has also reportedly claimed that a further Rs. 20 million was paid to former Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne.

After considering the facts presented, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered that Chandrasena be remanded until April 2.

Chandrasena was earlier arrested by CIABOC over allegations that he had solicited and accepted a bribe of USD 2 million in connection with the Airbus deal.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the National People’s Power (NPP) Government is making an effort but failing.

“They are trying hard, but they are failing,” former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said, commenting on the NPP Government.

Mahinda Rajapaksa further said that the government is messing up by trying to intervene in everything.

“By trying to interfere in everything, they are messing up. Despite their efforts, it is a failure. We see some positives in this government, but the problem is that most of it is negative,” he added. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa made the remarks while speaking to the media after attending a religious ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) headquarters in Colombo, for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

According to reports, the former President is said to have been admitted three days ago following a medical emergency. 

According to his spokesperson, the former President remains in good health and is expected to be discharged soon. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has confirmed his participation in the joint opposition rally planned for November 21.

Speaking to reporters, Rajapaksa said he will definitely attend the rally and that a large crowd is anticipated at the event. 

When inquired about the participation of the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the former President further said that the party has not held any talks with him on the rally. 

“I am sure there will be a large crowd. This rally is important for someone to stand up against the government,” he added.

Watch: https://x.com/NewsWireLK/status/1991004511813484665 (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Chief Security Officer, Neville Wanniarachchi, who was arrested in connection with the accumulation of illicit assets, has been granted bail.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today released him on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000 and three sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

The court also imposed an overseas travel ban on Neville Wanniarachchi and issued an order to call the case on January 16.

Neville Wanniarachchi was arrested on 02nd October by the Bribery Commission in connection with investigations into the alleged accumulation of illicit assets and properties worth Rs. 28 million. (Newswire)

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A group of Chinese traders visited former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at his private residence in Tangalle yesterday (16).

The group presented gifts to the former president and inquired about his well-being during the visit.

It is reported that this is the first group of Chinese traders to visit the former president after he vacated his official residence in Colombo and moved to Tangalle. 

The group, involved in tea exporting, had visited Mahinda Rajapaksa while en route to Weligama and Nuwara Eliya. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Chief Security Officer, Neville Wanniarachchi, who was arrested in connection with the accumulation of illicit assets, has been remanded. 

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today dismissed the bail application of  Neville Wanniarachchi and remanded him until 31st October 2025. 

Neville Wanniarachchi was arrested on 02nd October by the Bribery Commission in connection with investigations into the alleged accumulation of illicit assets and properties worth Rs. 28 million. (Newswire)

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A group of monks, including Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, have visited former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Tangalle. 

The meeting had taken place at the former President’s private residence in Tangalle. 

“Mahinda Rajapaksa is an unforgettable President of the nation. He is a hero we have seen during our lifetime. Mahinda Rajapaksa ended a 30-year war, even though many said this guerrilla war could not be ended,” Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera said, speaking to the media. (Newswire)

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Government spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa states that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not yet officially handed over his official residence in Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo.

Speaking to the media, Minister Jayatissa said it has been three weeks since he left the premises. 

The minister further said that the ministry in charge of the matter will take the necessary measures in this regard.

Minister Jayatissa added that Mahinda Rajapaksa might find a new house and return to Colombo soon. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to Tangalle after vacating the official residence in Colombo following the enactment of the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Act. 

The Bill, which seeks to abolish special benefits granted to former Presidents, their widows, and retired MPs, was passed without amendments in Parliament in September. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs Hesha Withanage and Dilip Wedaarachchi have called on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Tangalle. 

According to reports, the meeting had taken place at the Carlton residence in Tangalle, where Mahinda Rajapaksa now resides.

It is reported that MPs Hesha Withanage and Dilip Wedaarachchi had visited the former President to inquire about his well-being.

Hesha Withanage previously served as the Chairman of the Embilipitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, while SJB MP Dilip Wedaarachchi represents the Hambantota District in Parliament. (Newswire)

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who vacated his official residence in Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo today, received a grand welcome upon his arrival at Carlton House in Tangalle. 

Rajapaksa and his wife, Shiranthi, were welcomed by a large crowd, many expressing their happiness with their return to Carlton House. 

The former President returned to Tangalle after vacating the official residence in Colombo following the enactment of the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Act. 

The Bill, which seeks to abolish special benefits granted to former Presidents, their widows, and retired MPs, was passed without amendments in Parliament yesterday. (Newswire)

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who vacated his official residence in Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo today, received a grand welcome upon his arrival at Carlton House in Tangalle. pic.twitter.com/87Mi3slijy

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) September 11, 2025

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has left his official residence in Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo, following the passage of the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill in Parliament.

The President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, which seeks to abolish special benefits granted to former Presidents, their widows, and retired MPs, was passed without amendments in Parliament yesterday.

Several politicians and foreign diplomats were reported to have visited Mahinda Rajapaksa at Wijerama Mawatha, prior to his departure. 

Earlier today, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s media spokesperson, Attorney Manoj Gamage, said under the current circumstances, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa does not intend to remain in the official residence even for 24 hours.

Speaking to the media, Manoj Gamage said that the former President is expected to leave for Tangalle today. 

He said, however, it will take approximately a week to officially hand over the residence to the government, along with all state-owned belongings. (Newswire)

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