Fri Jun 27 14:00:39 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Sri Lanka’s anti-graft body arrested Nishantha Wickramasingha, brother-in-law of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on June 27, 2025, over alleged irregularities in aircraft procurement deals during his tenure as Chairman of SriLankan Airlines (2008-2015). The charges include causing financial losses to the state through flight destination alterations and the misuse of government funds for the former president’s election campaign. This arrest is part of a broader anti-corruption drive by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration targeting alleged misconduct during the Rajapaksa era. Other Rajapaksa family members and former officials have also faced scrutiny and arrests in recent months, including Rajapaksa’s son and former ministers.

**News Article:**

**Rajapaksa Relative Arrested in Sri Lanka Amid Anti-Corruption Drive**

**Colombo, June 27, 2025:** Nishantha Wickramasingha, the brother-in-law of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested today by the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). He is accused of corruption and financial irregularities during his time as Chairman of SriLankan Airlines from 2008 to 2015.

The charges against Wickramasingha include allegedly causing a $4,512 loss by altering a flight destination in 2014 and a further $19,160 loss related to the disembarkation of passengers. CIABOC also alleges he misused government funds for Rajapaksa’s 2015 election campaign. Wickramasingha was produced before a magistrate court in Colombo.

This arrest is the latest development in an ongoing anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, targeting alleged misconduct during the Rajapaksa-led governments between 2005 and 2015.

“We are committed to holding those accountable who misused public funds and abused their positions of power,” a government spokesperson stated.

Earlier this year, Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, was arrested on money laundering charges. Furthermore, former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando were convicted of corruption in May and sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

The Rajapaksa family, which held considerable political sway in Sri Lanka for over a decade, has long faced accusations of nepotism and corruption. The current administration’s actions signal a firm commitment to addressing these allegations and ensuring accountability.

Read More