Shiranthi Rajapaksa remanded till 13 Oct.

Thursday, 8 October 2026 05:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Defence argues funds remain in Siriliya Saviya bank account

Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was remanded in custody until 13 October by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday, hours after her arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

CIABOC officers arrested Rajapaksa last morning after recording a statement from her at her Colombo residence, and then produced her before the Court.

The Commission said the arrest relates to allegations that she obtained Rs. 10 million from a State bank and, through the alleged misuse of those funds, committed offences under the Public Property Act and corruption-related provisions.

The investigation is also linked to financial activities of the Siriliya Saviya organisation, which Rajapaksa headed.

Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka earlier this week after travelling overseas. She had been due to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on 13 October in connection with its investigation into the financial affairs of Siriliya Saviya.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s defence says Siriliya Saviya funds still in account

The funds at the centre of the corruption allegations remain in the Siriliya Saviya account at the Suduwella branch, her defence told the Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court.

President’s Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for Rajapaksa, said Rs. 160 million was required to purchase a CT scanner, but only Rs. 42 million had been collected by 2014. The account was then frozen following a complaint made after the change of Government, he said.