Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) as part of an ongoing inquiry into his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and subsequent overseas training.
Rajapaksa appeared before CIABOC after being summoned to provide a statement regarding the investigation. Although he had been requested to appear on the previous day, he reportedly informed the Commission that he was unable to attend due to court proceedings. He later presented himself before investigators as instructed and was subsequently taken into custody.
Officials have indicated that further details regarding the allegations and any potential charges are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
Focus of the Investigation
The inquiry centres on the circumstances surrounding Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s entry into the Sri Lanka Navy in 2006 and the process through which he was selected for training abroad.
Investigators have revealed that in September 2006, then Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda wrote to the Royal Naval Academy in the United Kingdom seeking admission for Rajapaksa. The academy reportedly responded that while a placement could be arranged, it would not be covered by a full scholarship and would require financial sponsorship.
Several aspects of the recruitment process have since come under scrutiny.
According to investigators, the standard eligibility criteria for cadet officer recruitment at the time required Advanced Level qualifications in science or mathematics-related subjects. However, Rajapaksa is reported to have completed his studies in the arts stream, raising questions about whether he met the original entry requirements.
The investigation is also examining claims that recruitment criteria were later revised and fresh advertisements issued, allegedly enabling his admission. Concerns have additionally been raised regarding changes made to Ordinary Level qualification requirements during the selection process.
Following his recruitment, Rajapaksa travelled to the United Kingdom in January 2007 and underwent training at the Royal Naval Academy for more than eighteen months. Investigators are examining whether public funds were used appropriately in financing the overseas training programme and whether established procedures were followed throughout the process.
Broader Investigations
The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of members of the Rajapaksa family, one of Sri Lanka’s most influential political families. Various investigations involving alleged financial irregularities, misuse of state resources, and other governance-related matters have been launched in recent years.
Reports indicate that several members of the Rajapaksa family, including former ministers and senior political figures, are facing separate investigations relating to the use of public funds and state assets during previous administrations.
Investigation Continues
At present, the arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation, and authorities have not yet announced the full scope of any formal charges that may follow. CIABOC is expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding Rajapaksa’s recruitment to the Navy and his overseas training.
As with all criminal investigations, the allegations remain subject to legal review, and any determination of responsibility will be made through Sri Lanka’s judicial process.
( With the inputs from News First)