[object Object]

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested Rakitha Rajapakshe, the son of a former justice minister, in connection with an alleged bribery attempt. Rajapakshe is accused of negotiating a 500 million rupee bribe, equivalent to approximately $1.5 million, intended to facilitate the release of a suspected drug kingpin. This individual had been extradited from Madagascar in 2023 with the assistance of Interpol.

Officials stated that the alleged bribe negotiation took place during the period when Rakitha's father, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, served as the minister of justice and prison reforms. However, the plan to release the drug suspect was ultimately unsuccessful. The government in power at the time lost the 2024 elections, preventing the alleged transaction from being completed.

The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the country, particularly concerning high-profile cases involving alleged drug trafficking and political influence. The investigation is expected to shed further light on the alleged conspiracy and the individuals involved.