Namal Rajapaksa Indicted for Misappropriation of Funds in Krrish Project
By: Ovindi Vishmika
March 29, Colombo (LNW): Namal Rajapaksa, the son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been indicted on charges of misappropriating Rs. 70 million in connection with the controversial Krrish project. The indictment, filed by Sri Lanka’s Attorney General on January 28, 2025, alleges that Rajapaksa diverted funds from the Indian real estate company, Krish Realtech Private Limited, which were originally intended for the development of rugby in Sri Lanka. The case has been a subject of public scrutiny for several years and is now gaining traction in the courts.
A Long-Running Investigation
The charges stem from an investigation that was initially launched in 2015 when current Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe filed a complaint accusing Rajapaksa of financial irregularities involving the Krish company. The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) conducted an inquiry, and in 2016, Rajapaksa was arrested as a suspect. However, he was later released on bail, and the case has since been delayed multiple times. Now, almost eight years later, the Attorney General has moved forward with formal charges, alleging that Rajapaksa misused the funds for personal gain instead of rugby development as claimed.
Rajapaksa, a former national rugby player, has denied all allegations, calling the charges politically motivated. In a statement on social media, he claimed that the indictment was a tactic by the National People’s Power (NPP) government to distract from its failures in governance. He further accused the government of fabricating allegations against his family to shift focus away from national issues and the hardships faced by the people.
Despite the political claims, the legal proceedings are moving forward. Rajapaksa remains out on bail while awaiting further court hearings. The Krrish project itself has been under investigation for corruption in both Sri Lanka and India, with Krish Realtech’s promoter, Amit Katyal, facing charges of money laundering in India.
Legal Setbacks: Judicial Recusals
In a related development, the case has been complicated by judicial recusal. Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne, who was initially overseeing the money laundering case, recused himself after social media posts targeted him. These posts, published by individuals named “Poddala Jayantha” and “Sanath Balasuriya,” were deemed to have caused contempt of court. As a result, Thilakaratne decided to step down, and the case was referred to another judge, Sujeewa Nissanka. However, Nissanka also recused himself, citing similar concerns.
The case is now in the hands of Colombo Chief High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige, who will appoint a new judge to proceed with the trial. The next hearing is scheduled for May 2025.
The ongoing investigations also include money laundering allegations. The FCID has been investigating the involvement of several individuals, including Rajapaksa, in illicit financial activities related to the Krrish project. As part of the investigation, the FCID has frozen several bank accounts linked to the case and requested a travel ban for the individuals involved, excluding Rajapaksa. These actions highlight the seriousness of the financial misconduct charges and the potential consequences for those implicated.
The legal and political implications of the case remain significant. While Namal Rajapaksa continues to maintain his innocence and insists that the charges are politically driven, the case is closely watched both within Sri Lanka and internationally. It has become a key point of contention in Sri Lankan politics, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the political elite.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Namal Rajapaksa?
As the legal proceedings continue, the public remains eager to see how the case unfolds. With hearings scheduled for May 2025, there is still time for new developments and revelations to emerge. The outcome of this high-profile case could have lasting ramifications on Namal Rajapaksa’s political career, as well as on the broader political environment in Sri Lanka. Will the charges stick, or is this simply another attempt to tarnish the Rajapaksa family’s legacy? The coming months will provide answers.
