Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has returned to Sri Lanka after visiting Singapore for medical treatment. According to reports, she arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport last night around 11.20 to 11.26 hours on a flight via Malaysia.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa went abroad last September. She reportedly went to Singapore for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the Police is carrying out investigations into the financial transactions and accounting activities related to the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ organization she headed.
FCID had summoned Shiranthi Rajapaksa to appear before it to record a statement as part of the investigation. During her stay abroad, various news regarding this matter came out. Her return has thus drawn attention in political and legal circles.
Before her return to the country, an anticipatory bail application was also filed in the Malikakanda Magistrate’s Court citing the possibility of arrest. In this petition, it was stated that she was afraid of arrest when she returned to Sri Lanka after receiving medical treatment abroad.
Thus both Shiranthi’s foreign journey and her return are now seen as successive phases of the same affair.
The inquiry of Siriliya Saviya organisation is again brought to the fore
With Shiranthi Rajapaksa returning to the country, the investigation into the financial activities of the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ organization has gained importance again. FCID is now taking steps to obtain his statement again, as investigations have already taken place into the organization’s financial transactions.
The main focus of the investigation is the alleged financial transactions in the organization’s accounts. Officials are trying to get an explanation from Shiranthi Rajapaksa regarding some of her financial activities as she was associated with the organization’s activities.
Various opinions have emerged over the past few weeks on this matter. In particular, the question arose as to whether she went abroad knowing about the FCID summons or was the summons issued to her only after reaching the airport.
An earlier statement by a Rajapaksa family member said that Shiranthi did not receive the FCID summons in advance and went directly to the airport after receiving treatment at a private hospital. The family also said that the notification was given at the airport before the flight took off.
On the other hand, there were reports that she had been directed to appear for questioning by the FCID. The interpretations of these two sides have led to various debates over the issue in the past few days.
However, now that she has returned to the country, there is a chance that the investigation will proceed directly. According to current information, she has been notified to appear before the FCID on October 13.
Increased political and public attention after return
Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s repatriation is not seen as merely a legal investigation. Being a prominent member of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family, the issue has also gained political attention.
Especially with investigations related to financial irregularities alleged to have taken place during the former regime intensifying now, it is seen as important that investigations be conducted against those associated with the former center of political power. At the same time, it should be noted that the allegations leveled against a person have to be confirmed through investigation and court proceedings.
It is in this context that the anticipatory bail petition has been filed on behalf of Shiranthi Rajapaksa. Her side said she had gone abroad for medical treatment and was ready to face legal action on her return.
Now the focus of the public is on her statement before the FCID. The direction in which the investigation moves after that confession will also be important.
Taking the comments so far on this matter together, three issues continue to stand out. One, Shiranthi Rajapaksa went abroad for medical treatment. The second is the FCID investigation into the financial activities of the ‘Siriliya Saviya’. The third is how she responds to legal inquiries after her return.
Meanwhile, since she has returned to the country, the debate over foreign travel has also passed a phase. The course of the matter may be determined by her answers to the questions posed by the investigating agencies and the subsequent action taken.
However strong the political background, it is important that such financial investigations are conducted on the basis of evidence and legal procedures. Now that Shiranthi Rajapaksa has returned to the country, the investigation is moving towards the next phase.