Yoshitha Rajapaksa Remanded for Two Days

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Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested by Sri Lanka’s CID over a Rs. 34 million land case. Learn more about the allegations and implications.


 

In a significant turn of events, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka. This development has garnered widespread attention, given the prominence of the Rajapaksa family in the nation’s political landscape.

Background of Yoshitha Rajapaksa

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, born on June 12, 1988, is the second son of Mahinda Rajapaksa and Shiranthi Rajapaksa. He has two brothers, Namal and Rohitha. Educated at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Yoshitha joined the Sri Lanka Navy in 2006 as a cadet officer. Over the years, he rose to the rank of lieutenant commander and served as an aide-de-camp to his father during his presidency. Beyond his military career, Yoshitha is known for his involvement in sports, particularly rugby, and his association with the Carlton Sports Network (CSN)

Details of the Arrest

On the morning of January 25, 2025, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was apprehended by the CID in the Beliatta area. The arrest was made following instructions from the Attorney General, who determined that there was sufficient evidence to implicate Yoshitha in a land case valued at Rs. 34 million. This case involves a property associated with Daisy Forrest, also known as ‘Daisy Achchi’, located in Sirimal Pedesa, Ratmalana

 

Legal Proceedings

Following his arrest, Yoshitha was produced before the Colombo Additional Magistrate. After reviewing the case, the magistrate ordered that he be remanded until January 27, 2025. This decision underscores the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigations into the matter.

Historical Context

This isn’t the first time Yoshitha Rajapaksa has faced legal challenges. In January 2016, he, along with several senior executives of CSN, was remanded by the Kaduwela Magistrate on charges of financial crimes, including alleged money laundering. The investigations at that time centered around financial irregularities at CSN, where Yoshitha was unable to account for the funds used to operate the television station and was accused of misusing public funds

 

Public Reaction

The arrest of Yoshitha Rajapaksa has elicited varied reactions from the public. Given the Rajapaksa family’s significant influence in Sri Lankan politics, many are closely monitoring the developments. Some view the arrest as a necessary step towards accountability and justice, while others perceive it as politically motivated.

Implications for the Rajapaksa Family

The Rajapaksa family has been a dominant force in Sri Lankan politics for decades. This recent arrest adds to a series of legal and political challenges they have faced in recent years. It remains to be seen how this development will impact their political standing and future endeavors.

The arrest and subsequent remanding of Yoshitha Rajapaksa mark a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to address allegations of corruption and uphold the rule of law. As the legal proceedings continue, the nation watches closely, anticipating further revelations and outcomes.

FAQS

 

  1. Who is Yoshitha Rajapaksa?
    • Yoshitha Rajapaksa is the second son of former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. He has served in the Sri Lanka Navy and is known for his involvement in sports and media.
  2. Why was Yoshitha Rajapaksa arrested?
    • He was arrested in connection with a land case valued at Rs. 34 million, involving a property associated with Daisy Forrest in Ratmalana.
  3. What are the previous allegations against Yoshitha Rajapaksa?
    • In 2016, he faced charges related to financial irregularities and alleged money laundering concerning the Carlton Sports Network.
  4. How has the public reacted to his arrest?
    • The public’s reaction has been mixed, with some viewing it as a step towards justice and others seeing it as potentially politically motivated.
  5. What could this mean for the Rajapaksa family’s political future?
    • The arrest adds to the challenges faced by the Rajapaksa family and could influence their political standing and future activities.
  6. What is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 5 of 2006?
    • This is a Sri Lankan law enacted to prevent money laundering activities, outlining offenses and penalties related to the acquisition, possession, or use of funds derived from illegal activities.
  7. Has Yoshitha Rajapaksa been involved in any other legal issues?
    • Yes, in addition to the current allegations, he was previously arrested in 2016 concerning financial irregularities at the Carlton Sports Network (CSN).
  8. What is the significance of the property in Ratmalana?
    • The property in question is associated with Daisy Forrest, also known as ‘Daisy Achchi,’ and is valued at Rs. 34 million. The case involves allegations of financial misconduct related to this property.
  9. What role did the Attorney General play in Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s arrest?
    • The Attorney General instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest Yoshitha Rajapaksa after determining that there was sufficient evidence to implicate him in the land case.
  10. What are the potential legal consequences if Yoshitha Rajapaksa is found guilty?
    • If found guilty under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, he could face significant fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense as determined by the court.