Sri Lanka coconut prices rise 7.4-pct, more nuts offered todayheadline

• At least 15 former MPs arrested so far
• Wickremesinghe’s arrest stirs controversy amid global call for his release
• New government promised accountability, action for past wrong doers
• Some see arrests as diversion strategy to hide under performance

ECONOMYNEXT – Amid increasing public grumbling over delays in delivering on Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake government’s election promises on the economic front and political accountability, authorities have initiated a fresh series of arrests targeting prominent political figures, including former president Ranil Wickremesinghe, over various allegations.

The crackdown underscores a commitment to addressing long-standing issues of governance and restoring public trust, analysts say.

President Dissanayake’s ruling National People’s Power (NPP) in the run-up to last year’s presidential election promised investigations into a raft of past alleged corrupt deals, murders, and the Easter Sunday attack, holding wrong doers accountable, and a prosperous economy.

However, delays in fulfilling such promises resulted in public grumbling, while opposition parties started a campaign against the government for lying in its election campaign.

Under pressure, authorities in the new government have arrested at least 15 key political figures over various charges. However, opposition supporters raise questions over due process, specially after the arrest of former leader Wickremesinghe.

The arrests have led to mixed reactions. Many people view the actions by the authorities as necessary steps toward eradicating corruption, but after the arrest of Wickremesinghe, an increasing number of supporters of the accused argue that the moves are politically motivated, analysts say.

These developments mark a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, reflecting a broader push for integrity and accountability within the nation’s governance structures.

Hera are the details of arrests:

1. Ranil Wickremesinghe – Misuse of public funds for private visit in 2023

Former Sri Lanka president’s arrest and subsequent bail out marked one of the most controversial moments in the island’s recent political history and sparked heated debate over law, accountability, and the treatment of political leaders. Wickremesinghe, who had served six terms as prime minister before becoming president during the height of Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, was taken into custody on allegations tied to spending government funds on an alleged private visit to the United Kingdom during his presidential tenure in 2023. His arrest drew sharp reactions both domestically and internationally, with supporters calling it a politically motivated move by his rivals, while critics argued it was a long-overdue step toward holding leaders accountable for Sri Lanka’s economic collapse. The decision to release him on bail underscored the delicate balance between pursuing justice and maintaining political stability, as many feared that detaining a former head of state without due process could deepen polarization at a time when the country is still struggling to recover.

2. Rajitha Senaratne – Incurring loss to the government in 2012

The senior politician has faced multiple legal battles over the years, linked to allegations of corruption, misuse of state resources, and controversial statements during his time in office. His latest arrest is reportedly tied to a sand dredging project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour, which was awarded to a Korean company. According to the Bribery Commission, the deal resulted in a financial loss of over Rs. 20 million to the state.

3. Nimal Lanza – Assault incident in 2006

He has long been entangled in allegations ranging from corruption in infrastructure projects to questionable land and business dealings. His recent arrest was over an assault incident that took place in 2006 amid questions over state property damage. His arrest is seen by many as part of a broader crackdown on political figures accused of abusing public office, though his supporters argue that the move is politically motivated, given his shifting allegiances in recent years.

4. Athuraliye Rathana Thera – Abduction of a monk in 2020

The Buddhist monk and former legislator’s arrest was linked to the abduction of the General Secretary of the Our Power of People Party (OPPP), Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thera. Rathana Thera played a prominent role in nationalist politics and once served as an influential parliamentarian and presidential advisor and has long been known for blending religious leadership with political activism. His arrest also came amid investigations into allegations linked to misuse of political influence and questionable financial dealings, casting a shadow over his reputation as a monk who initially entered politics on a platform of moral reform and good governance.

5. Sasheendra Rajapaksa – Abuse of power, corruption in 2022

He was the first to be arrested in the influential former President Mahinda Rajapaksa family. The son of former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa was arrested over abuse of power in claiming compensation in 2022 for a damaged property which he had claimed from the state without proper process. He is accused of using his official power to influence government officials to obtain compensation for himself for the property built on a land owned by the state-owned Mahaweli Authority.

6. Nalin Fernando – Misappropriation of public funds in 2014

The former Trade Minister under the last government was sentenced by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and an additional fine of Rs. 100,000. His sentence is linked to “corruption” during the purchase of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 checkers boards through Sathosa. Fernando was the Chairman of Sathosa at the time of purchasing the sports goods originally meant to be distributed among schools and sports clubs selected by the Sports Ministry, but in reality distributed among President Mahinda Rajapaksa-led party offices during the 2015 Presidential Election. The move had caused a loss of over 53 million rupees to the government.

7. Mahindananda Aluthgamage – Misappropriation of public funds in 2014

He is serving 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and was asked to pay an additional fine of Rs. 100,000 for the same “corruption” case in the purchase of 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 checkers boards through Sathosa. He was the Sports Minister when the purchase took place in 2014. He was previously arrested over substandard organic fertilizer imports from China in 2022 during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture.

8. Keheliya Rambukwella: Counterfeit Drug Scandal in 2023

The former Health Minister who was arrested in February 2024 over allegations of procuring counterfeit intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) drugs during his tenure, has been detained amid the ongoing court cases. He is facing a trial-at-bar, and is on bail. The scandal involved bypassing standard tender procedures, leading to the importation of substandard medications. Investigations revealed that forged documents were used for customs clearance, resulting in a misappropriation of funds amounting to 130 million rupees.

9. Prasanna Ranaweera – State Land Misuse in 2010

The former State Minister was remanded on May 7, after evading arrest for months for allegedly facilitating the unauthorized sale of state-owned land in Kiribathgoda. The land, designated for public construction, was reportedly sold to a private buyer, violating the Public Property Act.

10. Mervyn Silva – State Land Misuse in 2010

The former Minister has also been implicated in the state land misuse case alongside Prasanna Ranaweera – a fraudulent scheme related to a plot of land in Kiribathgoda. The land, measuring 6 acres, 3 roods, and 11 perches, was transferred to the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat for the new town plan. The Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha was responsible for developing and implementing the town plan, which included allocating 0.2137 hectares for a children’s park and a waterway. It was uncovered that Mervyn Silva, along with three others, forged documents to sell the land for 3 million rupees. Silva is now facing legal actions while on bail.

11. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake – Financial Misconduct in 2016

Current Member of Parliament Dassanayake was arrested in March 2025 on charges during his tenure as Chief Minister of Uva Province. He faces allegations of misappropriating 2.5 million rupees by redirecting funds from state banks to his foundation and personally receiving 1 million rupees intended for the provincial council. Additionally, he is accused of causing a 23 million rupee loss to the government by withdrawing all fixed deposits of the provincial council after a bank refused his request for additional funds.

12. M Ranjith: Fuel Allowance Misappropriation in 2012

The former North Central Province Chief Minister and his private secretary Shanthi Chandrasena, the spouse of former Minister S M Chandrasena, were sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of corruption charges. Both convicts were also ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 200,000 each. The two accused were convicted on charges filed by the Bribery Commission. The case was initiated based on allegations that, as the Chief Minister of the North Central Province, Ranjith facilitated his private secretary unlawfully obtaining a fuel allowance of 2.68 million rupees between September 2012, and December 2014. S M Ranjith is a brother of former Minister of Lands S M Chandrasena, a cabinet minister under presidents Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

13. Duminda Dissanayake – Possessing an illegal weapon

The former minister was arrested over the detection of an assembled T-56 weapon without a licence under the Firearms Act. The arrest came after police found that the gold plated weapon had been assembled, and one of the former minister’s employees had handed it over to a woman in the neighbourhood. However, he was later released from the case and the Mount Lavinia Magistrate ordered that there was no direct or investigative evidence to proceed with the case.

14. Sathasivam Viyalenderan – Corruption

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested the former Environment and Trade state minister in March on allegations of aiding and abetting two individuals to solicit a bribe of Rs. 2 million and accept Rs. 1.5 million from an individual in exchange for making the necessary arrangements to issue him the requested trade license.

15. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillaiyan) – Abduction

The former state minister and leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), was arrested in April this year by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over an abduction and disappearance. Initial reports suggested it was due to his connection to the deadly Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, but it has not been established yet. He was also arrested in 2015 in connection with the 2005 assassination of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian Joseph Pararajasingham. He is in custody. (Colombo/September 1/2025)

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