Politics · Singapore Bureau
Son of ex-Sri Lankan president arrested over airline aircraft graft
The son of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa has been arrested on corruption charges linked to SriLankan Airlines' acquisition of Airbus aircraft. He has been remanded in custody until mid-September.
LSN Singapore ·
COLOMBO — A high court in Sri Lanka has remanded the son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa in custody on allegations of corruption tied to the national carrier's procurement of commercial aircraft.
The arrest stems from an investigation into SriLankan Airlines' purchase of Airbus planes, according to court proceedings concluded Friday. The suspect has been ordered held until September 18 as authorities pursue their inquiry into the matter.
The case represents part of broader anti-corruption efforts in Sri Lanka, which has seen increased scrutiny of high-level officials and their families in recent months. The Rajapaksa family, which wielded considerable political influence during Mahinda Rajapaksa's tenure as president, has faced mounting legal challenges.
The specifics of the corruption allegations centre on the commercial terms and decision-making processes involved in SriLankan Airlines' aircraft acquisition, though additional details remain limited as the investigation continues. The court's decision to remand the suspect underscores judicial proceedings advancing in the matter.