Sri Lanka summons ex-first lady in charity graft probe
Sri Lankan authorities have summoned former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa for questioning regarding alleged misuse of charity funds intended for a cancer hospital. The move is part of a broader anti-corruption drive by the current government against the Rajapaksa family.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights ongoing political instability and the aggressive pursuit of accountability for past administrations in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s police summoned former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) for questioning over allegations that her charity misused donations, tightening authorities’ anti-corruption drive.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has revived long-dormant graft investigations involving members of the once powerful Rajapaksa family, which dominated Sri Lankan politics for nearly two decades.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) served the summons shortly before Ms. Shiranthi, 73, boarded a flight to Singapore for medical treatment, family spokesman Manoj Gamage told reporters in Colombo.
“She was given the FCID notice minutes before she boarded the aircraft,” Mr. Gamage said, rejecting suggestions she was attempting to leave the country to evade investigators. “She is not trying to flee the country but travelling for medical treatment.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in