Mon Jan 27 10:12:43 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa Son’s Travel Ban Amidst Renewed Corruption Crackdown

**Colombo, Sri Lanka –** Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been banned from leaving the country following his arrest on money laundering charges. The arrest marks a renewed push by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration to tackle widespread corruption.

Rajapaksa, a former junior naval officer, was detained for two days before being released on bail of 100 million rupees ($344,000). Police allege he could not account for the funds used to purchase a home during his father’s presidency (2005-2015), claiming to have obtained the money from the sale of gems gifted by his grand-aunt, whose account of the gems’ origin remains unclear. He also faces a separate, dormant money laundering charge related to a television network purchase.

This arrest is part of a wider crackdown targeting the Rajapaksa family and associates. Several members face various charges, including corruption and murder. President Dissanayake, elected last September, pledged to expedite these long-pending cases and recover stolen assets. Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa insists the government’s actions are not a “political witch hunt,” but a response to the public mandate to address corruption.

The renewed focus on these cases follows the 2022 ouster of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Mahinda’s brother, amidst a severe economic crisis and popular unrest. Gotabaya Rajapaksa also faces corruption charges related to military procurements. The government claims it is providing increased resources to the criminal investigations department to ensure swift prosecutions. Rajapaksa’s older brother, Namal, a current lawmaker, also faces separate, untried money laundering charges.

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