Former Minister's Son Arrested for Bribery to Release Drug Smuggler

Colombo. Former Justice Minister of Sri Lanka, Vijayadas Rajapaksa's son, Rakitha Rajapaksa has been arrested on charges of taking a bribe to release a notorious drug smuggler. This latest action against a person with high political connections is being seen as significant amidst a stepped-up anti-corruption campaign.

Sri Lanka's main anti-corruption investigation body took Rakitha Rajapaksa into custody on Thursday. He is accused of transacting a large bribe to release Nadun Chintaka, a key suspect in drug trafficking who was brought back to the country from Madagascar with Interpol's help in 2023.