An arrest warrant has been issued for Namal Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s former Youth and Sports Minister and son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, after he failed to appear before the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court in connection with an ongoing corruption and money laundering case.
The court issued the warrant after Namal failed to attend a scheduled hearing. He has previously been arrested and investigated over similar charges involving alleged financial misconduct during his time in office.
According to Sri Lankan media, Namal Rajapaksa arrived in the Maldives today on the same flight as Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. Both reportedly travelled in business class on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 101.
While President Dissanayaka is in the Maldives on a state visit, Namal is believed to have traveled for personal reasons. His presence abroad during the scheduled court appearance prompted the arrest warrant.
It remains unclear whether Sri Lankan authorities will seek legal assistance from the Maldivian government regarding his return.
The court issued the warrant after Namal failed to attend a scheduled hearing. He has previously been arrested and investigated over similar charges involving alleged financial misconduct during his time in office.
According to Sri Lankan media, Namal Rajapaksa arrived in the Maldives today on the same flight as Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. Both reportedly travelled in business class on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 101.
While President Dissanayaka is in the Maldives on a state visit, Namal is believed to have traveled for personal reasons. His presence abroad during the scheduled court appearance prompted the arrest warrant.
It remains unclear whether Sri Lankan authorities will seek legal assistance from the Maldivian government regarding his return.
