Sri Lanka Anti-Graft Agency Arrests Ex-President’s Son, Reports Say

Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption authorities have arrested the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as part of an ongoing bribery investigation, according to local media reports.

The arrest was reportedly carried out by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, commonly known as the Bribery Commission. Officials have not immediately released full details of the allegations, but the move marks one of the most high-profile actions taken by the agency in recent months.

Local reports identified the suspect as Yoshitha Rajapaksa, a member of one of Sri Lanka’s most influential political families. The Rajapaksa family has played a dominant role in the country’s politics for decades, with several relatives holding senior government positions.

The arrest comes amid broader efforts by Sri Lanka’s current leadership to strengthen anti-corruption measures and improve public confidence in government institutions following years of economic and political turmoil. Authorities have pledged to investigate allegations of misconduct regardless of political affiliation.

Details regarding the specific charges, court proceedings, or potential bail conditions were not immediately available. Officials from the Bribery Commission have yet to issue a comprehensive public statement on the case.

Supporters of the anti-corruption drive welcomed the development as evidence that authorities are willing to pursue investigations involving prominent political figures. However, allies of the Rajapaksa family have previously argued that some investigations targeting former officials are politically motivated.

The case is expected to attract significant public attention in Sri Lanka, where corruption and governance reforms remain key political issues following the country’s economic crisis and subsequent demands for greater accountability from public officials.

Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming days as investigators present evidence and seek further action through the courts.