Sri Lanka launches major corruption probe into Rajapaksa political dynasty

Sri Lankan authorities have intensified investigations into members of the influential Rajapaksa dynasty, with several family members and political allies currently in custody facing corruption and criminal allegations. The targets of the probe include relatives of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose administration wielded considerable political and economic power for over a decade.

The investigation represents a dramatic reversal for a family that dominated Sri Lankan politics during and after the country's civil war, which ended in 2009. Mahinda Rajapaksa served as president from 2005 to 2015, while his brother Gotabaya held the presidency from 2019 until fleeing the country during civil unrest in 2022. The family's political fortunes deteriorated following the nation's severe economic crisis that sparked mass protests and political upheaval.

Authorities have arrested the wife of the former president alongside other family members and associates connected to the Rajapaksas. The charges under investigation reportedly include financial crimes and misuse of state resources during their time in office. The legal proceedings follow growing public demands for accountability regarding governance during the Rajapaksa era.

The cases reflect broader efforts by Sri Lankan institutions to address alleged misconduct by the country's political elite. As the investigation progresses, observers say the outcome could have significant implications for political accountability and the rule of law in Sri Lanka.