In a dramatic turn of events, a Sri Lankan court issued an arrest warrant for Namal Rajapaksa today while he was in the Maldives, reportedly attending a private wedding function. The development comes amid an official state visit to the Maldives by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
According to Sri Lankan media, Namal Rajapaksa—MP, lawyer, and son of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa—arrived in Malé earlier today on board SriLankan Airlines flight UL 101. He is said to have flown business class alongside President Anura Dissanayake, who landed in the Maldives at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
While Anura Dissanayake is on an official diplomatic mission, Rajapaksa’s visit is reported to be personal, tied to a wedding event. However, his presence abroad triggered legal consequences back home after he failed to appear for court hearings related to ongoing money laundering and corruption cases.
The Colombo-based court issued the arrest warrant on the grounds of Rajapaksa’s non-compliance with court summons. The charges against him stem from high-profile financial investigations that have also implicated several other members of the Rajapaksa family. Namal has previously been arrested and questioned in connection with these probes.
Namal Rajapaksa has longstanding ties with several political figures in the Maldives, having frequently visited the country in both personal and political capacities. He also contested in Sri Lanka’s 2022 presidential election, which was ultimately won by Anura Dissanayake.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Sri Lankan authorities will seek extradition or if Rajapaksa plans to return to Colombo voluntarily. The case continues to draw attention in both Sri Lankan and Maldivian political circles.
