The Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) has directed Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to appear before the division on September 24 to provide a statement in connection with an investigation into the Siriliya Saviya account, police said.
Police said investigations into the account have resumed and that a written notice was issued requesting Rajapaksa’s appearance before investigators.
According to the police account reported on Wednesday, the notice was initially taken to Carlton House in Tangalle, but Rajapaksa was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo at the time. She subsequently travelled from the hospital to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) ahead of a flight to Singapore.
FCID officers then took steps to serve the notice at the airport, informing her that she was required to appear before the division on September 24. Police said the notice was accepted on her behalf by a relative. Rajapaksa later departed for Singapore in the early hours of September 16.
A member of the Rajapaksa family, however, disputed reports suggesting that she had travelled abroad after previously receiving the summons. The family member told Hiru News that no prior summons had been served and claimed the relevant letter was handed over only when she was preparing to board her flight.
The wider FCID investigation concerns an alleged Rs. 10 million payment from the National Savings Bank to Siriliya Saviya, reportedly intended for the purchase of a CT scanner for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children. Investigators are examining how the funds were used.
The matter remains under investigation, and the issuance of a notice to provide a statement does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
