Sri Lanka’s Corruption Tangle Entangles the Powerful Again

The arrest of Namal Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on graft charges related to the purchase of Airbus planes by SriLankan Airlines is a timely reminder that corruption can thrive even in the most unlikely places. This case is part of a larger pattern of abuse of power and cronyism that has come to define Sri Lanka’s politics.

The Rajapaksa family has long been accused of using their influence to amass wealth and protect their interests at the expense of the nation. Mahinda Rajapaksa himself faced numerous allegations of corruption during his tenure as President from 2005 to 2015. The fact that his son is now facing similar charges suggests a disturbing lack of accountability and due process in Sri Lanka.

The Airbus scandal, which dates back to 2013, involves the purchase of planes by SriLankan Airlines, a state-owned carrier criticized for its mismanagement and questionable business dealings. The investigation into this transaction has been ongoing for years, with multiple parties implicated, including Airbus itself. In 2020, Airbus reached a deal with French, British, and U.S. authorities to settle allegations of bribery and corruption over jetliner sales, agreeing to a $4 billion fine.

The Rajapaksa family’s alleged involvement in this scandal is the latest chapter in a long-running saga that has captivated Sri Lankans for years. This case highlights the ease with which those in power can use their influence to circumvent laws and regulations often with impunity. It also raises questions about the role of state-owned enterprises like SriLankan Airlines in perpetuating corruption.

The international dimension of this scandal cannot be ignored, as Airbus’s involvement in bribery and corruption has far-reaching implications for the global aviation industry. The fact that a European manufacturer was willing to engage in such practices and later agreed to a significant fine raises concerns about the company’s business practices and its willingness to compromise on ethics.

Sri Lanka has a reputation for being slow in pursuing corruption cases, often due to the powerful connections of those implicated. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) took over five hours to question Rajapaksa, suggesting that even at this stage there may be attempts to shield him from full accountability.

As Sri Lanka grapples with its economic and social challenges, it’s essential that the government prioritizes transparency and good governance. The ongoing investigation into the Airbus scandal offers a rare opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to these values. However, without a robust system of checks and balances, it’s likely that this case will follow in the footsteps of previous corruption scandals where those responsible are either acquitted or allowed to slip away.

The international community has a role to play in pushing Sri Lanka towards greater accountability. The European Union, which has been critical of Sri Lanka’s human rights record, should also speak out against corruption and cronyism. Airbus itself needs to provide more transparency about its business practices and ensure that it does not engage in similar wrongdoing in the future.

Ultimately, this case is a reminder that even in countries with histories of authoritarianism, there must be consequences for those who abuse power. Sri Lanka’s struggle against corruption is far from over, but the arrest of Namal Rajapaksa offers a glimmer of hope that justice might yet prevail.