Sri Lanka arrests son of former leader Rajapaksa


File picture of Namal Rajapaksa (C), son of former Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, leaves with prison officers at the court after being arrested in Colombo, Sri Lanka July 11, 2016. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lankan financial crime police arrested the eldest son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday on suspicion of laundering money, his lawyer said, the latest legal difficulty for the once-powerful family.

Sri Lanka's new president, Maithripala Sirisena, faces pressure to act on allegations of corruption dating back to the Rajapaksa era, especially from civil society organisations who backed his successful bid to oust Rajapaksa last year.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Peru lawmakers gather support to call for debate to oust president Jeri
US, Taiwan finalise deal to cut tariffs, boost purchases of US goods
Ukraine's Zelenskiy: We have backed US peace proposals to get a deal done
China's Sun Long wins silver in men's 1,000m short track speed skating at Milan-Cortina (updated)
Australia's conservative opposition picks former energy minister Taylor as new leader
China opens women's curling campaign with victory at Milan-Cortina Games
North Korea says South Korea should take steps to prevent violation of its sovereignty
U.S. stocks close lower
Medal table at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 12
EU moves to speed up single market, eyes smaller-group cooperation

Others Also Read