A Sri Lankan court has refused to issue arrest warrants against two Indian company directors in connection with a high‑profile bribery case that has already placed Opposition leader Namal Rajapaksa in remand custody.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate cited insufficient evidence when prosecutors from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) sought the arrest of Amit Katyal and Rajendra Prasad Gupta, directors of Krish Hotels, an Indian investment project.
The case stems from allegations of a 2013 bribe linked to a stalled hotel project, which has become a focal point in Sri Lanka’s ongoing anti‑corruption drive. Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was remanded last month as investigations intensified.
While prosecutors argued that the Indian directors played a role in the alleged transaction, the court ruled that the evidence presented was not sufficient to justify arrest warrants. The decision has sparked debate in Colombo’s political circles, with critics questioning whether the ruling weakens accountability in corruption cases involving foreign investors.
The case continues to draw public attention as Sri Lanka grapples with economic challenges and demands for greater transparency in governance. For now, the spotlight remains on Namal Rajapaksa’s custody and the broader implications of the stalled hotel project.
