After eleven years of silence, the sudden revival of the Siriliya Saviya investigation has ignited fresh political debate, with claims of selective justice, revived probes, and unresolved questions over accountability, motive, and timing.
A fresh controversy has erupted after Ms. Shiranthi Rajapaksa was once again summoned before the Police Financial Crimes Division in connection with the Siriliya Saviya organization, reviving a case that many believed had long been laid to rest. The renewed inquiry has drawn sharp reactions, particularly from political quarters that see the move as part of a broader pattern of political targeting rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
Siriliya Saviya, once widely recognised for its grassroots welfare work and poverty alleviation programmes, has remained inactive since investigations were launched in 2015. Supporters argue that the organization filled critical social service gaps that state institutions could not reach, and that its suspension left vulnerable communities without assistance. The reappearance of the case in 2026 has therefore raised questions about intent, proportionality, and timing, especially given the long lapse since the original investigations.
Below is the official press release issued by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, reproduced with grammar checked and content unchanged:
Press Release
Today, Ms. Shiranthi Rajapaksa was summoned to the Police Financial Crimes Division for an investigation related to the Siriliya Saviya organization. This press release is a detailed statement related to the summons.
Siriliya Saviya is a voluntary social service organization established under the Voluntary Social Organizations Act No. 31 of 1980. Siriliya Saviya obtained legal status on December 8, 2006 under the registration number FL-111201. The primary objective of the Siriliya Saviya organization was to implement public relief services and welfare projects with the aim of alleviating poverty.
The new government that came to power in January 2015 initiated an investigation into Siriliya Saviya. Ms. Shiranthi Rajapaksa and other officials provided statements to the Financial Crimes Division and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, extending full cooperation.
The operations of the organization were suspended due to these investigations. Calling Ms. Shiranthi Rajapaksa for a re investigation after eleven years is described as political repression. During the 2015 investigation, the Financial Crimes Division took possession of all accounting records.
Media Section
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna
2026 02 03
As political tensions rise, the Siriliya Saviya case once again places Sri Lanka’s justice system under the spotlight, reopening debates on rule of law, political accountability, and the fine line between investigation and persecution.
