Sri Lanka’s anti-bribery authorities arrest Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Wednesday as part of an investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and later government-funded overseas training, according to local media and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Reports say Rajapaksa, 38, appears before investigators after voluntarily presenting a statement and is then taken into custody. The inquiry focuses on allegations that he was recruited in 2006 as a naval cadet despite not meeting required academic qualifications, particularly in science and mathematics, and on whether recruitment rules were followed or exceptions were granted. Separate reporting also says investigators examine whether procedures were followed in approving his overseas training at the British Royal Naval College, which sources say was funded by the Sri Lankan government. After the arrest, a Colombo court later grants him bail while imposing a travel ban, as investigations continue. Authorities have not announced any formal findings or charges in the reports.
Sri Lanka arrests Yoshitha Rajapaksa in navy recruitment and overseas training probe
Sri Lanka’s anti-bribery authorities arrest Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Wednesday as part of an investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and l...
- Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, is arrested on Wednesday in connection with a CIABOC investigation.
- The probe focuses on alleged irregularities in his 2006 Sri Lanka Navy recruitment, including claims about academic qualifications.
- Investigators also examine whether procedures were followed for his government-funded overseas training in Britain.
- Rajapaksa appears before investigators to provide a statement before being taken into custody, according to reports.
- A Colombo court grants bail and imposes a travel ban while investigations continue.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy, according to local media reports.Reports citing Sri Lanka's Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said Yoshitha Rajapaksa was taken into custody after voluntarily appearing before investigators to provide a statement.Probe Linked To 2006 Navy RecruitmentAccording to local media outlets, the inquiry centres on allegations that Rajapaksa was recruited as a naval cadet in 2006 despite not meeting the required academic qualifications, particularly in science and mathematics.Sri Lanka Bribery Commission Arrests Former President’s Son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa – ReportThe son of Mahinda Rajapaksa was taken into custody Wednesday after voluntarily appearing to give a statement in an inquiry into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and his subsequent… pic.twitter.com/jrAveeLMuZ— RT_India (@RT_India_news) June 17, 2026 Investigators are reportedly examining whether recruitment rules were altered or exceptions were granted to facilitate his entry into the Sri Lanka Navy.Questions Raised Over Overseas TrainingReuters reported that the probe also covers Rajapaksa's subsequent training at the British Royal Naval College, which was funded by the Sri Lankan government.Authorities are investigating whether established procedures were followed in approving both his recruitment and overseas military training, according to reports.Appeared Before Investigators Before ArrestLocal media reported that Rajapaksa appeared before the Bribery Commission on June 17 to record a statement. Following questioning, investigators arrested him as part of the ongoing inquiry.Images carried by Sri Lankan media showed him being escorted by officials near a court complex in Colombo after his arrest.Court Grants BailAccording to Reuters and local reports, a Colombo court later granted Rajapaksa bail and imposed a travel ban while investigations continue.No formal findings have yet been announced, and the inquiry remains ongoing.Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's Arrest Raises Fears Of Political Vendetta Renewed Scrutiny Of Rajapaksa FamilyThe case has drawn attention due to the prominence of the Rajapaksa family in Sri Lankan politics. Mahinda Rajapaksa served as President from 2005 to 2015 and remains one of the country's most influential political figures.The latest investigation adds to ongoing scrutiny of decisions and appointments made during the Rajapaksa era, though authorities have not announced any charges arising from the case so far.
2 months agoThe son of Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was arrested on Wednesday on corruption charges, the anti-bribery commission said, the latest case to target the once all-powerful political clan. Yoshitha Rajapaksa, 38, is accused of tapping state funds for overseas training during his career as a naval officer. The Bribery Commission said he was being investigated for having risen through the ranks without the necessary qualifications and going to Britain for government-funded officer...
2 months ago
Adeleke calls for healing and unity in Osun after re-election, marks Osun@35 peace talks
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke calls for residents to heal and unite after his re-election as governor. In statemen...
Fianna Fáil minister rejects Burnham’s unity-poll stance
Fianna Fáil Minister of State for Trade Promotion Niamh Smyth says she “categorically” disagrees with Alan Burnham on wh...
Atiku Abubakar dismisses age concerns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election
African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar dismisses public concerns about his age ahead of...