Sri Lanka Arrests Ex-President's Wife Over Corruption Allegations
Sri Lankan authorities have detained former first lady, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in connection with a corruption investigation.
The arrest comes as part of a broader graft probe targeting individuals linked to the Rajapaksa administration, which governed the South Asian nation from 2005 to 2015.
Background: Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa Era
- Mahinda Rajapaksa served as the President of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015, following a period of ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhalese population and minority Tamil community.
- The Rajapaksa administration is often cited for its significant role in ending the Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2009.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa's Allegations
- Authorities allege that Shiranthi Rajapaksa, a prominent figure during her husband's presidency, is linked to misuse of funds during that time period.
- The investigation focuses on the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated for the development of the North and East regions of the country, which were heavily affected by the civil war.
Mahinda Rajapaksa's Response
"I am confident that my wife will be exonerated of all wrongdoing," said Mahinda Rajapaksa, expressing his belief in his wife's innocence.
Current Situation
- Shiranthi Rajapaksa is currently being held at an undisclosed location, pending further investigation.
- The ongoing corruption probe targets several former government officials, including close relatives of the former President.
Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to address allegations of corruption during the Rajapaksa administration have extended to Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The former first lady has been detained as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of funds allocated for the development of the North and East regions of the country, which were heavily affected by the civil war.
Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed confidence in his wife's innocence, stating, "I am confident that my wife will be exonerated of all wrongdoing."
The ongoing corruption probe includes several former government officials, including close relatives of the former President.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa is currently being held at an undisclosed location while the investigation continues.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
