In a significant development, the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) questioned former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday morning regarding a property located in the southern town of Kataragama. Authorities served Rajapaksa, the younger brother of former President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, with a notice concerning the property situated in the renowned pilgrimage town.
The CID questioned 75-year-old Rajapaksa for nearly two hours and recorded his statement. While the nature of the inquiry remains unclear, this marks the first time authorities have directly interrogated Rajapaksa under the leadership of the newly formed government headed by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which assumed power in November of the previous year.
Rajapaksa’s questioning comes amid ongoing investigations into the assets and properties of high-profile figures from the previous administration. The Rajapaksa family, once the dominant political force in Sri Lanka, has faced increasing scrutiny following the economic collapse of the country and the subsequent protests that led to the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as president in mid-2022. The former president fled the country shortly before his resignation amid widespread public outrage over the economic crisis and political instability.
Since then, authorities have launched various investigations into the financial dealings and assets of the Rajapaksa family, alleging corruption and mismanagement. The questioning of Gotabaya Rajapaksa over a property in Kataragama adds to the growing list of legal challenges faced by him and other members of the Rajapaksa family.
Pilgrims from across Sri Lanka flock to Kataragama, a town known for its religious significance. The property in question reportedly holds some connection to this spiritual hub, though details of the investigation remain scarce. Local sources suggest that the inquiry is part of a broader investigation into the possible misallocation or misuse of state resources.
The current government sees the questioning of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a key moment in its ongoing efforts to hold accountable those involved in the country’s financial mismanagement. This marks a shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, as the new administration continues to tackle the corruption and inefficiencies that have plagued the nation for years.
As of now, it remains unclear what specific outcomes may arise from the investigation into the property. However, the new government clearly commits to addressing the legacy of the Rajapaksa era by focusing on ensuring transparency and accountability in both government and business practices.
In the wake of the questioning, the former president has yet to make a public statement on the matter. It remains to be seen how this investigation will impact his future and shape the political dynamics in Sri Lanka moving forward.
Since the formation of the new government, authorities have subjected a member of the powerful Rajapaksa family to this high-profile police inquiry, signaling a potential shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to dealing with corruption and political influence.
