Several members of Sri Lanka’s once-powerful Rajapaksa family are facing corruption investigations and criminal allegations, as the government intensifies efforts to hold influential political figures accountable for alleged wrongdoing during their years in power.
The latest developments include the arrest of Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and ongoing legal proceedings involving their son, Namal Rajapaksa. The investigations have renewed scrutiny of a family that dominated Sri Lankan politics for nearly two decades.
Allegations Of Corruption And Misuse Of Funds
Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested on October 7, 2026, over allegations that her charity, the Siriliya Saviya Foundation, misused donations intended to purchase medical equipment for a children's hospital in Colombo.
Investigators allege that the foundation collected approximately 10 million Sri Lankan rupees, equivalent to about $30,000, for a medical scanner, even though the hospital had reportedly already received a scanner from China. Authorities suspect that the donated money was used to purchase a house. Shiranthi has not been convicted, and the allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, Namal Rajapaksa is facing a case involving an alleged $30,000 bribe connected to a deal involving Airbus aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. He is also being investigated over an alleged payment of approximately $211,000 linked to a government land transfer. Namal has denied wrongdoing in the Airbus case.
Other members of the family have also come under scrutiny. Yoshitha Rajapaksa is being investigated over alleged money laundering, while Basil Rajapaksa faces legal action in a case involving properties investigators suspect were acquired with illicit funds. The family and its political allies have disputed allegations of wrongdoing.
Allegations Linked To The 2019 Easter Sunday Bombings
The investigations extend beyond financial corruption. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is facing scrutiny over allegations connected to the deadly 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which targeted churches and hotels and killed hundreds of people.
Investigators are examining allegations that individuals linked to the country's intelligence services may have had advance knowledge of, or been involved in a conspiracy surrounding, the attacks. These allegations gained renewed attention following a 2023 documentary by Britain's Channel 4.
Gotabaya has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations against him have not been established as proven facts in court. The investigation remains particularly sensitive because the bombings killed 279 people, including 45 foreign nationals, according to the figures reported by Al Jazeera.
Why Are The Investigations Happening Now?
The Rajapaksa family lost much of its political influence following Sri Lanka's devastating economic crisis in 2022. Severe shortages of fuel, food and medicines, together with soaring living costs, triggered mass protests that forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa to leave office.
In 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the presidency after campaigning on an anti-corruption platform. His government has since promised to investigate alleged financial crimes and other abuses involving previous administrations. The renewed investigations are therefore closely linked to public demands for accountability.
However, the Rajapaksas' political allies have accused the government of conducting a politically motivated campaign against the family. They argue that arrests should not be treated as proof of guilt and insist that allegations must be established through fair legal proceedings.
What Happens Next?
Sri Lanka's anti-corruption authorities and courts are expected to continue examining the allegations against members of the family. The outcome will depend on the evidence presented and the decisions of the judiciary.
The cases represent a significant test of Sri Lanka's efforts to strengthen the rule of law and tackle corruption among powerful political figures. They also raise broader questions about accountability for alleged abuses committed during previous administrations.
For now, it is important to distinguish between allegations, ongoing investigations and proven crimes: being arrested or investigated does not automatically mean that a person is guilty.