PoliticsEconomyCrimeHOTWednesday, June 17, 2026

Court Orders Arrest of Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa in Tourism Fund Case

TLDR

Basil Rajapaksa arrest warrant recall rejected.
Warrant for missing land case; he's abroad for medical treatment.
Also faces probe over Rs. 7.8 million tourism funds.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena has ordered the arrest of former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. The directive was issued to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 7.8 million from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The case was recalled before court today, where proceedings also saw the lawyer for a third suspect express willingness to provide a confidential statement.

Story Update

Update #2\u00b7 Jun 21 · 5:40 AM

A request to recall the arrest warrant issued against former Minister Basil Rajapaksa for failing to appear in court has been rejected by the Matara Chief Magistrate. The warrant was issued after Rajapaksa failed to appear on May 22nd in a case concerning a land purchase. It was also noted that Rajapaksa is currently abroad receiving medical treatment.

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