Sri Lanka's anti-corruption agency has arrested the son of former President Rajapaksa on new corruption charges. Previously, he faced two money laundering cases and was recently released on bail.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in Sri Lanka announced that the son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was arrested on Wednesday, 17 Jun 2026 GMT+7, on corruption charges. This is the latest case targeting the Rajapaksa family, one of the country's most politically influential dynasties.
The commission further stated that Yoshitha Rajapaksa, 38, was arrested on charges of supporting and conspiring in relation to his naval service appointment without meeting the minimum qualifications, and subsequently using state funds for overseas training while serving as a naval officer.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa attended a prestigious program at Dartmouth, the United Kingdom's Royal Naval College. However, his enrollment sparked criticism that he unfairly took a spot that should have gone to another naval cadet who qualified on merit.
Previously, he was a suspect in two money laundering cases and was barred from traveling abroad. He had been granted bail until his recent re-arrest in this case.
Notably, legal proceedings against the Rajapaksa family have been reactivated since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the 2024 election, campaigning on a promise to eradicate corruption.
Several Rajapaksa family members and close associates have faced multiple charges over the years, including corruption and even murder allegations. All these cases remain under court consideration.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa also faces a criminal case after failing to explain the source of funds used to purchase a house during his father's presidency from 2005 to 2015. He claimed the money came from selling gemstones inherited from his great-grandmother, but she could not recall how she obtained those precious gems.
Additionally, he faces another case related to acquiring a television station.
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Source:cna