The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into allegations surrounding Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa’s participation in an exam at the Sri Lanka Law College.
The inquiry follows a complaint lodged by the Citizens’ Movement Against Fraud, Corruption, and Decay, citing claims made in an interview broadcast on the Boston Lanka social media platform. These allegations, first exposed by whistleblower Thushara Jayaratne, suggest that Rajapaksa received unfair privileges during his final law exam.
Allegations of Exam Irregularities
According to Jayaratne—who is currently seeking asylum in Switzerland—Namal Rajapaksa allegedly received the exam papers several days in advance. Furthermore, he was reportedly provided with special accommodations during the exam, including an air-conditioned private room, internet access, and computer facilities, unlike other candidates.
The most severe accusation concerns Rajapaksa’s legal knowledge. Jayaratne claims that over 40 legal professionals have privately admitted that Namal lacks a fundamental understanding of basic legal principles. If proven true, it raises serious questions about how he managed to pass the exam.
Jayaratne has been vocal about these accusations through his YouTube channel, consistently exposing alleged misconduct linked to Rajapaksa’s law credentials.
International Implications
Reports suggest that Namal Rajapaksa used his legal qualification to obtain a U.S. visa. If these credentials were fraudulently obtained, he could face severe consequences, including a lifetime visa ban by the U.S. State Department. The European Union may also take notice, potentially further isolating the Rajapaksa family on the international stage.
CID Investigation and Political Reactions
Following instructions from the Acting Inspector General of Police, the CID has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry under the Criminal Procedure Code.
Chairman of the Citizens’ Movement, Jamuni Kamantha Thushara, previously stated that there is substantial evidence proving Rajapaksa sat for the exam in an air-conditioned private room with assistance from two lawyers.
In 2012, a former Law College student attempted to expose these irregularities by filing complaints with the college authorities, the Justice Ministry, the Keselwatta Police, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). However, this whistleblower was reportedly abducted and received death threats, forcing him to flee the country.
In response to these accusations, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe recently challenged Rajapaksa in Parliament. In reply, Namal Rajapaksa denied any wrongdoing and demanded a formal investigation to clear his name.
Rajapaksa further stated that if Samarasinghe can prove that he received special exam privileges, he would resign from Parliament. However, he also challenged Samarasinghe to resign from his ministerial position if he fails to provide evidence.
This high-profile case continues to draw national and international attention, with potential legal, political, and diplomatic consequences for the Rajapaksa family.