Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, and a former Attorney General stand accused of diverting houses built for poor plantation workers to their personal beauticians, staff, and housemaids in a scandal that has rocked Sri Lanka’s political establishment.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court heard explosive allegations as retired Brigadier Ranjith Samarasinghe was granted bail in connection with the Sirisanda housing project scam. The complex, built at a cost of over 390 million rupees, contained 366 homes intended for Blumenthal Estate workers and low income families. Instead, 22 houses were handed to political associates at the request of powerful figures.
The beneficiary list reads like a who’s who of personal connections. Two beauticians of the former First Lady received houses. A personal secretary, a clerk, and housemaids of the former President also benefited. Even a naval officer, a former newspaper editor, a housemaid from a Singapore embassy, and a housemaid of the former Attorney General found their way onto the allocation list.
The Bribery Commission revealed that the accused misled the board of directors by submitting false addresses to make recipients appear as legitimate Blumenthal residents. This systematic deception allowed political insiders to claim resources meant for the most vulnerable.
The defense argued that the board approved all allocations and that the Housing Authority could cancel them if irregularities existed. However, the Magistrate ordered Samarasinghe released on two surety bonds of one million rupees each, citing his retired officer status and ability to influence investigations. A travel ban was imposed along with orders not to interfere with witnesses.
The Bribery Commission must present investigation progress on June 16, as Sri Lankans watch whether justice will finally reach the powerful figures named in this scandal.
