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Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the 38-year-old son of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested Wednesday on corruption charges, marking the latest legal action against the once-influential political dynasty. The anti-graft commission stated that Rajapaksa is accused of improperly using state funds for overseas training during his tenure as a naval officer.

According to the Bribery Commission, an investigation is underway into Rajapaksa's rapid rise through the naval ranks, which allegedly occurred without the necessary qualifications. He is also being investigated for attending a prestigious course at Britain's Dartmouth naval college, funded by the government. Critics at the time suggested his attendance displaced a more deserving candidate.

This is not Rajapaksa's first encounter with the legal system; he is already an accused in two money-laundering cases and is currently subject to a foreign travel ban. The commission's statement detailed his arrest on charges of "aiding and abetting, in connection with his recruitment without the minimum qualifications, and subsequently using state funds for overseas training."

Rajapaksa also faces a separate criminal prosecution for failing to account for the source of funds used to purchase a house during his father's presidency (2005-2015). He reportedly told investigators that the money came from selling gems gifted by his grandaunt, who could not recall the origin of the stones. He is also involved in a case concerning the purchase of a television network.

The renewed focus on cases against the Rajapaksa family follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's election victory in 2024, campaigning on a promise to eradicate corruption. Numerous family members and associates have faced various charges over the years, including corruption and murder, with most cases still pending in court. Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother, Gotabaya, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, was ousted amid a severe economic crisis and is currently under a foreign travel ban, having sought court protection from potential arrest related to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.

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He was arrested on a charge of aiding and abetting, in connection with his recruitment without the minimum qualifications, and subsequently using state funds for overseas training.