Rajapaksa financial investigations intensify over Siriliya, Airbus and a 135-acre tea estate as authorities pursue several family members.
The Rajapaksa financial investigations involving several members of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family have reportedly intensified, with several previously investigated allegations now moving towards further legal action.
The latest developments involve former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa’s sons Yoshitha and Rohitha Rajapaksa.
Separate investigations concern the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ account, the SriLankan Airlines Airbus procurement and an alleged 135-acre tea estate transaction.
Siriliya Saviya Investigation Turns to Shiranthi Rajapaksa
The Attorney General’s Department has instructed the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to record a statement from former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.
The investigation concerns alleged suspicious transactions and financial irregularities involving the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ account established during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s administration.
The account, reportedly maintained jointly by three people at the Suduwella branch of a state bank, previously attracted considerable public attention. Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s National Identity Card number was listed as 222222222V in connection with the account.
The FCID is reportedly preparing to obtain a statement from her in the coming days.
This forms another step in investigations previously initiated into the alleged misuse of state funds. The inquiry also concerns medical equipment received as a donation for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and legal process.
Rajapaksa Financial Investigations Include Airbus Case
Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has been named as a suspect in a case concerning alleged financial irregularities and money laundering connected to SriLankan Airlines’ Airbus aircraft procurement.
The Sri Lankan investigation has proceeded alongside revelations from the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
Several individuals, including former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, had previously become suspects in the investigation.
Following instructions from the Attorney General, authorities have also included Namal Rajapaksa in the money laundering case. He is reportedly scheduled to be produced before court on the 16th.
The allegations against those named in the investigations have not been established by a final court determination.
135-Acre Tea Estate Transaction Comes Under Scrutiny
Another investigation involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Rohitha Rajapaksa has also begun through the Property Investigation Division of Proceeds of Crime (PCID).
The investigation follows a written complaint by the organization ‘Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste’.
The complaint concerns the alleged acquisition of a 135-acre tea estate through three intermediaries.
The organization’s Chairman, Kamanta Thushara, appeared before the relevant investigation division on September 14. He handed over documentary evidence relating to the complaint and also provided a statement.
The Siriliya, Airbus and property inquiries have therefore brought several separate Rajapaksa financial investigations into focus simultaneously.
President Says Law Must Apply Equally to Everyone
Against the backdrop of these developments, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the enforcement of the law during a public rally in Polonnaruwa.
He said authorities would strictly enforce the law over the theft of public wealth without pursuing personal vengeance.
The President emphasized that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of family relationships. He referred specifically to relationships involving a mother, brother or child while making his point about equal treatment.
Dissanayake said authorities had given priority to investigations during the previous period.
According to the President, the process has now reached the stage where authorities must directly enforce the law against those found responsible based on those investigations.
His remarks come as several Rajapaksa financial investigations move back into public focus through separate investigative and judicial processes involving members of the former President’s family.
The cases involve different allegations and investigative authorities. Each will ultimately depend on the evidence, applicable law and the respective legal proceedings.
