Full Breakdown
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa Arrested Over Alleged Misuse of Charity Funds
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Background & Context
Shiranthi Rajapaksa, 73, headed the Siriliya Saviya charitable foundation during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency (2005-2015). The Rajapaksa family dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades, ending the civil war in 2009 but later facing corruption accusations. Mass protests in 2022 forced the resignation of Mahinda’s brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The current administration under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has revived stalled investigations targeting the Rajapaksa network.
Alleged Misuse of Donations
On October 7, 2026, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested Shiranthi Rajapaksa at her Kirulapone residence. Investigators allege that Siriliya Saviya obtained 10 million LKR (? US $30,300) from the state-run National Savings Bank for a CT scanner intended for Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital. The Bribery Commission says the scanner had already been supplied by China and the hospital had not requested a new unit. The money is alleged to have been diverted for personal use, violating the Public Property Act and the Bribery Act.
Legal Proceedings
Shiranthi Rajapaksa was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court and remanded until October 13, 2026. The court ordered medical treatment at Colombo Navaloka Hospital due to her health condition. Former NSB Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam, also arrested, was released on bail with a travel ban. An anticipatory bail application by Rajapaksa’s lawyers is set for a hearing on October 12, 2026. The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) is to appear before the magistrate on October 13, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
- Manoj Gamage, spokesperson for Mahinda Rajapaksa, said the 10 million rupees remain “safe in Siriliya’s accounts” and that “no fraud has occurred.”
- President Dissanayake’s administration frames the investigation as part of its anti-corruption drive.
Data & Statistics
- Amount involved: 10 million LKR (? US $30,300)
- Age of accused: 73 years
- Date of arrest: October 7, 2026
- Remand deadline: October 13, 2026
- Bail hearing: October 12, 2026
- Related family arrests: Son Namal Rajapaksa in remand since September 4, 2026 on separate bribery allegations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Lady Ridgeway Hospital still needed a CT scanner. The Bribery Commission asserts the equipment was already provided by China; other reports note the alleged misuse without confirming the hospital’s inventory. No public audit of Siriliya Saviya’s accounts has been released, leaving the flow of the 10 million rupees unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children had not made any request asking for a CT scanner. At that time, such a machine was already available there. This is evident from the statements recorded from the hospital directors.” — The Bribery Commission
What’s Next
The FCID will appear before the magistrate on October 13, 2026, after which investigators may seek formal charges. A bail hearing for Shiranthi Rajapaksa is set for October 12, 2026. The outcome is expected to influence the broader anti-corruption campaign targeting the Rajapaksa family.