The Rajapaksa family, which dominated Sri Lankan politics for nearly two decades, is facing an escalating series of legal challenges following their ouster from power in 2022. The family’s grip on governance ended after widespread protests triggered by economic mismanagement and allegations of corruption during their rule.
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was taken into custody last week and remains in extended detention following her October 7 arrest. Authorities allege that the Siriliya Saviya Foundation, which she leads, misappropriated approximately 100 million rupees intended for medical equipment at a children’s hospital in Colombo. Investigators contend the charity continued soliciting donations for equipment that had already been provided by the Chinese government and allegedly diverted funds toward property purchases. Her legal team’s request for bail on health grounds was rejected by the court.
Similarly, Namal Rajapaksa, a 40-year-old parliamentarian and son of the former president, remains in custody on bribery allegations. He faces investigation related to an alleged $30,000 bribe in connection with an Airbus aircraft purchase for the national airline, and a separate probe into a $211,000 bribe allegedly paid to expedite a government land transfer. These incidents are said to have occurred during his father’s presidency.
Other family members are under investigation for various offenses. Yoshitha Rajapaksa, another son, faces money laundering inquiries, while Basil Rajapaksa, Mahinda’s brother, is subject to an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court regarding allegations of property purchases with illicit funds. Authorities have seized some of his assets. Shasheendra Rajapaksa, son of another brother Chamal, is currently on bail in a separate corruption case.
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who led the government until 2022, faces additional legal jeopardy. He is barred from international travel and confronts investigation into allegations that the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people, were staged to enhance his political standing before that year’s presidential election. A court recently rejected his appeal to prevent arrest in the ongoing probe.
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