world · 2026-10-12
Sri Lanka's ex-first lady arrested in anti-graft push
Photo: via mint
Sri Lanka arrested ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa's wife over charity money. It's a test of whether the new government can convict once-powerful leaders.
What is the history of Rajapaksa family in Sri Lanka?
Mahinda Rajapaksa led Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015, winning popularity among Sinhala Buddhists after defeating Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009 and ending a 26-year civil war. His family wielded unbridled power, holding top government positions. He lost the presidency in 2015 amid corruption allegations. His brother Gotabaya returned the family to power in 2019, but was toppled by protests in 2022 after an economic crash.
What did Shiranthi Rajapaksa specifically do?
She is accused of misusing 10 million rupees (about $30,300) her charity, Siriliya Saviya, got from a state bank to buy a scanner for a children's hospital. Prosecutors say the scanner was never supplied; one was already donated by China, and the funds were used to buy a house. She denies wrongdoing.
What happened to the bank chairman?
Pradeep Kariyawasam, former chairman of the National Savings Bank, was arrested for releasing the 10 million rupees to Shiranthi Rajapaksa's charity without proper procedures. He was charged under Section 70 of the Bribery Act, a law covering such offences, but the court released him on bail the same day.
Why is this happening now?
Because the government changed. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected in 2024 on an anti-corruption platform, promised to pursue the Rajapaksa family and previous administrations. His party has no stake in protecting the old political establishment, so it revived long-dormant investigations that earlier governments abandoned.
Why is this govt pursuing the case against them?
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected in 2024 on an anti-corruption platform, is pursuing the case, promising action against the Rajapaksa family and previous administrations. Earlier attempts under the 2015-19 government failed because both major parties wanted to protect a system where former leaders were not jailed for corruption. This government has no stake in that system.
How likely will this lead to prosecution?
Prosecution is likely, but conviction is not guaranteed. The anti-corruption commission has revived the case and remanded her until October 13, with charges under the Public Property Act, which covers misuse of state assets. Past attempts to prosecute the Rajapaksas failed due to political interference, but the current government has pledged to pursue them regardless.
Is this a pattern with the Rajapaksa family?
Yes. Shiranthi's eldest son, Namal Rajapaksa, is also in remand custody over alleged bribes of 100 million rupees, about $800,000, linked to a 2012-13 Airbus deal for SriLankan Airlines, a plane purchase agreement, plus a separate 70 million rupee bribe case. He denies all charges, calling one payment rugby sponsorship. The family calls the prosecutions politically motivated.
What happens next in court?
She is due back in court on October 13, when the magistrate will decide whether she stays in custody or gets bail. Her separate application to prevent her arrest, filed before the arrest, was scheduled for October 12. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: livemint.com