- Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa‘s son Yoshitha arrested over a property purchase case.
- The arrest follows police questioning of Gotabaya Rajapaksa on related issues.
- New government vows to investigate misconduct during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency (2005–2015).
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested on corruption charges tied to the purchase of a property during his father’s tenure. The arrest took place in Beliatta, a Rajapaksa stronghold, as part of the government’s broader crackdown on allegations of misconduct within the previous administration.
This move comes amid ongoing investigations into the Rajapaksa family’s assets, including recent questioning of Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding a holiday home in Kataragama.
Crackdown on Corruption: Rajapaksa Family Under Scrutiny
The arrest of Yoshitha Rajapaksa highlights the new government’s commitment to delivering on its election promise of rooting out corruption. This is not an isolated incident, as other members of the Rajapaksa family, including Gotabaya and Namal, are also under investigation for property-related cases.
Yoshitha’s arrest has sparked significant political and public discourse, as the Rajapaksa family remains a polarizing figure in Sri Lanka. For many, this represents a long-overdue reckoning for alleged abuses of power during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency, while for others, it signals a political vendetta.
The ongoing crackdown is part of President Dissanayake’s broader anti-corruption strategy, which aims to rebuild public trust in governance. Critics, however, question whether these actions will lead to meaningful judicial outcomes or are merely symbolic gestures ahead of the elections.
Mahinda Rajapaksa, meanwhile, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to restore his reduced security detail, a move that adds another layer to the family’s legal and political battles. The case continues to unfold, reflecting a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
The arrest of Yoshitha Rajapaksa underscores the shifting political tides in Sri Lanka as the government prioritizes accountability over entrenched political power.
“We will ensure that no one, regardless of their influence, is above the law.” – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
