Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has filed an anticipatory bail application before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.
The application seeks to ensure that she is released on bail if she is arrested when she returns to Sri Lanka.
The application names the Officer-in-Charge of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department as the respondent.
Background
Rajapaksa, who had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Sri Lanka, left for Singapore on 16 September for further medical treatment.
Police said she left despite being notified to appear before the FCID on 24 September, although a member of her family later disputed when she received the summons.
The summons was issued in connection with an ongoing investigation into transactions linked to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation, which operated under her leadership.
Inquiry
The reported areas of inquiry include funds reportedly transferred to the foundation by state institutions and vehicles imported using tax concessions.
Investigators are also examining the reported use of foundation vehicles by Carlton Sports Network.
The inquiry includes a Rs. 10 million transfer from the National Savings Bank to a Siriliya Saviya account for the reported purchase of a CT scanner for Lady Ridgeway Hospital.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether the funds were used for that purpose.
Investigators have also reportedly found that the equipment later presented to the hospital was a PET scanner donated by China, rather than a CT scanner purchased through the fundraising effort.
The investigation reportedly also concerns a Colombo residence allegedly linked to Rajapaksa but listed as the address of the foundation’s treasurer.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established by a court.
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