Namal Rajapaksa Alleges Imminent Arrest Amid Past Corruption Allegations
Former Minister Namal Rajapaksa has launched a public campaign claiming he faces imminent arrest before the 12th, seeking to gain public sympathy.
The developments follow a series of serious corruption allegations against him. Notably, in May 2022—during the tenure of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa—Australia’s ABC news network aired a investigative Four Corners report exposing significant financial irregularities tied to the construction of the Hambantota Hospital.
The Aspen Medical Connection: Australia’s Aspen Medical was investigated for money laundering involving an $18.8 million project to supply services for the Hambantota Hospital in 2012.
Offshore Payments: The investigation revealed Aspen Medical made a $2.1 million payment to Sabra Vision Holdings, a British Virgin Islands-registered firm owned by Nimal Perera, a figure closely linked to the Rajapaksa family.
Admitted Transactions: During police interrogations and under case number 2016/195, businessman Nimal Perera previously admitted to collecting money on behalf of Namal Rajapaksa, while Rajapaksa acknowledged receiving Rs. 60 million from Perera.
Contradicted Claims: While Namal Rajapaksa claimed the funds were allocated for a national rugby tournament, Sri Lanka Rugby officials subsequently denied ever receiving such financial support.
In response to the resurfaced allegations, Namal Rajapaksa issued a statement denying any connection or awareness regarding transactions between the two foreign entities, asserting that previous corruption investigations under the Yahapalana government failed to link him to the hospital deal.
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