Story perspectives

Former first lady arrested over Rs 10 million CT scanner fraud

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 10:51 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Shiranthi Rajapaksa Arrested

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s former first lady, was arrested by the Bribery Commission on Oct 7 2026.
Investigators allege she diverted Rs 10 million from the National Savings Bank for an undelivered CT scanner meant for Lady Ridgeway Hospital.
A Colombo Chief Magistrate remanded her until Oct 13 and ordered her transfer to Colombo Navaloka Hospital.
Former National Savings Bank chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam was also arrested and released on two Rs 10 million personal bails.

Summary

Dissanayake Expands CIABOC

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expanded Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) powers to revive dormant graft probes.
The commission traced a trail from National Savings Bank to Siriliya Saviya, bypassing offshore networks.
Transparency International reported Sri Lanka’s Corruption Perceptions Index rose to 35 in 2025, a three-point improvement.
Legal experts say Public Property Act convictions require proof of a link between the accused and state asset misuse.

History

Historical Context

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s 2015 electoral loss prompted Sirisena’s government to create a special anti-corruption unit that began probing senior family members. In 2024 the unit reopened the National Savings Bank investigation, arresting Shiranthi Rajapaksa for siphoning Rs 10 million intended for a CT scanner, underscoring the persistent weakness of Sri Lanka’s graft-prevention framework.

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Shiranthi Rajapaksa Arrested

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s former first lady, was arrested by the Bribery Commission on Oct 7 2026.
Investigators allege she diverted Rs 10 million from the National Savings Bank for an undelivered CT scanner meant for Lady Ridgeway Hospital.
A Colombo Chief Magistrate remanded her until Oct 13 and ordered her transfer to Colombo Navaloka Hospital.
Former National Savings Bank chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam was also arrested and released on two Rs 10 million personal bails.

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