Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the former first lady of Sri Lanka, has been arrested in connection with a corruption case involving the alleged misappropriation of LKR 10 million in public funds. This arrest was executed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Wednesday, marking a significant event in Sri Lanka’s political history as she is the first former first lady to be detained in such a case.

The 73-year-old, who is married to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was taken into custody at her residence in Kirulapone. Her arrest follows an investigation into her NGO, Siriliya Saviya, and the funds it allegedly borrowed from the state-run National Savings Bank. CIABOC officials recorded her statement prior to her detention.

Rajapaksa was presented in the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, where she was remanded to judicial custody until October 13. Investigators allege that the funds, which are equivalent to approximately $30,251, were intended to purchase a CT scanner for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, but the machine was never provided, leading to suspicions of misappropriation.

Context of the Investigation

The arrest of Shiranthi Rajapaksa represents a continuation of anti-corruption investigations that have increasingly targeted members of the Rajapaksa family, who have held significant power in Sri Lankan politics for many years. Mahinda Rajapaksa served as president from 2005 to 2015, while his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced to resign in 2022 amidst widespread protests during a severe economic crisis.

The family has faced multiple allegations of corruption, with Rajapaksa’s eldest son, Namal Rajapaksa, currently in remand custody regarding separate corruption investigations. Despite the various allegations against them, the Rajapaksa family has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that these cases are politically motivated.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s lawyers had submitted an anticipatory bail application prior to her arrest, hoping to prevent her detention linked to the inquiry into the financial activities of her NGO. Her return to Sri Lanka just two days before her arrest, after seeking medical treatment abroad, has added an extra layer of scrutiny to her case.

Other Arrests Linked to Corruption Cases

On the same day as Rajapaksa’s arrest, CIABOC also detained former foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama in a separate case concerning the alleged misuse of funds from the Board of Investment. Bogollagama is accused of directing the Board of Investment chairman to approve an amount of LKR 1.5 million—approximately $4,538—beyond what was authorised for an investment promotion event in London back in 2006.

He had previously served as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in London until the end of 2024. The case against him was initially filed in 2015, and previous court proceedings had continued in his absence due to his failure to appear. An open arrest warrant was also issued before CIABOC arrested him on Wednesday as he came in to provide a statement.

CIABOC additionally apprehended Pradeep Kariyawasam, the former chairman of the National Savings Bank and husband of former chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake. Kariyawasam is implicated in the approval of funds linked to the investigation involving Siriliya Saviya and was later released on bail. This case carries political significance, given that Bandaranayake’s removal as chief justice in 2013 sparked controversy over the independence of Sri Lanka’s judiciary.

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