Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa family hit as ex-first lady arrested in graft probe
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s anti-graft authority arrested former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa on Wednesday over allegations that her charity misused donations collected for a children’s hospital, dealing a major blow to the once powerful family.
Former Sri Lankan first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested on Wednesday by the country's anti-graft agency over allegations that her charity misused donations intended for a children's cancer hospital, dealing a significant blow to the powerful Rajapaksa family. The 73-year-old, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was remanded in custody until October 13 and admitted to a prison hospital due to an eye condition.
She was questioned by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for nearly seven hours. Her lawyer, Manoj Gamage, stated that she denies the allegations and will contest the charges of misappropriating charity donations. The CIABOC also arrested former state bank chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam, who was released on bail.
The Rajapaksa family has consistently denied the corruption allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated.
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Also reported by 6 other outlets
- Sri Lanka’s ex-first lady arrested in charity corruption probe scmp.com
- Sri Lanka’s ex-first lady arrested over alleged misuse of children’s hospital donations myjoyonline.com
- Sri Lanka’s ex-first lady arrested over alleged misuse of children’s hospital donations kahawatungu.com
- Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa Family Under Pressure After Former First Lady's Arrest ndtv.com
- Sri Lanka's ex-first lady arrested over alleged misuse of children's hospital donations bbc.co.uk
- Sri Lanka’s former first lady is arrested on corruption allegations winnipegfreepress.com
