Yoshitha Rajapaksa Arrested: CID Investigation Uncovers Alleged Illegal Asset Acquisition

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Yoshitha Rajapaksa arrested by CID on charges of illegal asset acquisition. Learn about the investigation and its implications for Sri Lanka.


Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in his hometown of Beliatta. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing crackdown on corruption and misuse of public resources during the Rajapaksa regime.
The arrest, based on advice from the Attorney General, follows an investigation into allegations of illegal asset acquisition under the Money Laundering Act. Specifically, the investigation centers around a disputed property in the southern religious resort of Kataragama, raising questions about financial misconduct during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency between 20

 

Details of the Arrest

The arrest of Yoshitha Rajapaksa occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, as part of a larger investigation into the Rajapaksa family’s alleged misuse of power and resources. Yoshitha, a former naval officer, is accused of acquiring the property in Kataragama through illicit means. The CID’s inquiry is said to have uncovered evidence of money laundering and other irregularities linked to the transaction.
Yoshitha’s arrest came just a day after his father, Mahinda Rajapaksa, filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, seeking reinstatement of his security detail, which was significantly reduced under the current government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The timing of the arrest adds to the political drama surrounding the Rajapaksa family, who have been at the center of several corruption allegations since their departure from power.

Background of the Investigation

The disputed property, reportedly a luxurious holiday home in Kataragama, has been the focus of CID scrutiny for months. Sources indicate that the purchase was made during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency, raising questions about the origin of the funds used for the transaction. Last week, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Yoshitha’s uncle, was also questioned by authorities in connection with the same property.

In a parallel investigation, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s eldest son, Namal Rajapaksa, a legislator, was interrogated regarding a separate property case. These inquiries form part of a broader anti-corruption campaign launched by President Dissanayake’s government, which has pledged to hold those accused of financial misconduct accountable.

 

Political Ramifications

The arrest of Yoshitha Rajapaksa is seen as a bold move by the current administration to deliver on its promise of rooting out corruption. Analysts suggest that the investigation into the Rajapaksa family’s wealth could have significant political implications, particularly as the country heads into a critical election period.

President Dissanayake’s government has faced both praise and criticism for its aggressive stance against the Rajapaksa family. Supporters argue that these actions demonstrate a commitment to justice and transparency, while critics accuse the administration of using legal mechanisms to settle political scores.

 

Family Response

The Rajapaksa family has consistently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. In a statement issued shortly after the arrest, Mahinda Rajapaksa condemned the actions of the CID, calling them an “attempt to tarnish his family’s reputation.”

Yoshitha’s legal team has indicated plans to challenge the arrest, citing procedural lapses and lack of concrete evidence. However, legal experts suggest that the Attorney General’s decision to proceed with the case reflects the strength of the evidence gathered during the investigation.

 

A Legacy Under Scrutiny

 

The Rajapaksa family’s political dominance in Sri Lanka is unmatched, with Mahinda Rajapaksa serving as President from 2005 to 2015 and Gotabaya Rajapaksa holding the same office from 2019 to 2022. However, their legacy has been marred by allegations of corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power.

The ongoing investigations into their financial dealings aim to uncover the extent of alleged misconduct during their time in office. For many Sri Lankans, the arrest of  Yoshitha Rajapaksa represents a turning point in the country’s efforts to combat corruption and hold powerful figures accountable.

 

Public Reaction

The arrest has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Anti-corruption activists have welcomed the development, calling it a long-overdue step toward justice. Social media platforms have been flooded with discussions,
However, supporters of the Rajapaksa family have rallied against what they perceive as politically motivated actions.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The CID has indicated that its investigation into the Kataragama property is ongoing, with additional arrests and charges possible in the coming weeks. Yoshitha Rajapaksa   is expected to be produced in court, where prosecutors will outline the evidence against him.

Legal observers believe that the case could set a precedent for how corruption allegations against high-profile individuals are handled in Sri Lanka. The outcome of the trial will likely have far-reaching implications for the country’s political and legal landscape.

The Broader Impact on Governance

The arrest of Yoshitha Rajapaksa  underscores the challenges faced by the current administration in delivering on its promises of good governance and accountability. President Dissanayake’s government has made anti-corruption a cornerstone of its policy agenda, but achieving tangible results requires navigating complex political dynamics.

As the case unfolds, it will test the resilience of Sri Lanka’s legal and judicial institutions. For citizens, it is a moment of reckoning, offering a glimpse of hope that the country’s long history of impunity for the powerful may finally be coming to an end.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa Arrested: CID Investigation Uncovers Alleged Illegal Asset Acquisition
Yoshitha Rajapaksa Arrested: CID Investigation Uncovers Alleged Illegal Asset Acquisition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Who is Yoshitha Rajapaksa?Yoshitha Rajapaksa is the second son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and a former naval officer.
  2. Why was Yoshitha Rajapaksa arrested?
    He was arrested by the CID on charges of illegal asset acquisition under the Money Laundering Act, linked to a property in Kataragama.
  3. What is the Kataragama property case?
    The case involves a disputed holiday home in Kataragama, allegedly acquired through illicit means during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency.
  4. What evidence does the CID have against Yoshitha Rajapaksa?
    The CID’s investigation reportedly uncovered evidence of money laundering and financial irregularities related to the property purchase.
  5. What is Mahinda Rajapaksa’s response to the arrest?
    Mahinda Rajapaksa has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his family’s reputation.
  6. How does this arrest impact Sri Lankan politics?
    The arrest has intensified debates on corruption and governance, with potential implications for the upcoming elections.
  7. Has anyone else in the Rajapaksa family been investigated?Yes, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and legislator Namal Rajapaksa have also been questioned in related investigations.
  8. What is the current government’s stance on corruption?
    President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has vowed to root out corruption and hold those accused of misconduct accountable.
  9. What are the next legal steps for Yoshitha Rajapaksa?
    He will be produced in court, where prosecutors will present evidence. Further charges and arrests are possible as the investigation continues.