By Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family have been at the center of numerous allegations and judicial challenges that have significantly impacted their political legacy. Over the years, the family has faced accusations of corruption, financial mismanagement, human rights violations, and abuse of power. These allegations have led to multiple legal battles, but the Rajapaksas have often managed to delay or avoid accountability, allegedly due to their political influence and control over key state institutions.
Allegations and Judicial Challenges:
Corruption and Financial Mismanagement: The Rajapaksa family has been implicated in a range of corruption scandals, particularly related to large-scale infrastructure projects. One of the most notable controversies is the “Helping Hambantota” scandal, where it is alleged that funds intended for tsunami relief were misappropriated, with money finding its way into private accounts linked to Mahinda Rajapaksa. The family has also been accused of misusing public funds for personal gain, including through questionable land deals, such as the Krish Property Development Scandal, where political influence allegedly secured illegal benefits.
Human Rights Violations and War Crimes: During the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War (2009), Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government was accused of committing serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and the targeting of civilians. The White Flag Case, which alleges that Tamil Tigers who surrendered under white flags were executed, remains unresolved. Furthermore, the MIG jet scandal has compounded these allegations, with the purchase of overpriced military aircraft reportedly linked to massive fraud during Rajapaksa’s administration.
The Tajuddin Murder Case: The mysterious abduction and killing of businessman Mohamed Tajuddin in 2006 has raised serious concerns regarding the involvement of senior Rajapaksa administration officials. Despite evidence linking the family to the crime, the case remains unsolved, with justice delayed for years.
Judicial Interference and Obstruction: The Rajapaksa family has been accused of manipulating the legal system to shield themselves from prosecution. During their time in power, numerous high-profile cases involving the family were stalled, dismissed, or covered up due to political influence. Even after the 2015 regime change, the new government’s attempts to bring the Rajapaksas to justice were met with significant resistance, with some of its own ministers allegedly assisting the family in evading legal consequences.
Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s Charity Misuse: Mahinda’s wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, has also been implicated in legal issues, notably in the “Siriliya” charity case, which involved the misuse of funds intended for social welfare projects. This case has added another layer of complexity to the family’s legal challenges.
These numerous judicial challenges have not only tarnished the Rajapaksa family’s reputation but have also jeopardized their political future. Despite the Rajapaksas’ claims of being victims of a political witch hunt, the resurfacing of these long-dormant cases under the new government has raised questions about the extent of the family’s alleged corruption and their ability to evade justice for so long.
While the Rajapaksa family continues to hold political influence in certain parts of Sri Lanka—particularly in rural areas where Mahinda’s role in ending the civil war is still celebrated—their future involvement in Sri Lanka’s politics will depend largely on how the country’s judiciary handles these long-overdue cases. The family’s ability to deflect accountability through political manipulation is increasingly being challenged, and the resolution of these cases could mark a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s legal and political future.
Up hill Task
In the current political context the newly ellected government is well aware that although reduced to a minority in parliament the Rajapaksa’s influence is still not completely diminished and on the hand Presidient Anura Kumara Disanayaka him self admits that commencing investigations in to matters that happened some time ago is difficult but he is not willing to let go. On the other hand Mahinda Rajapaksha is a seasoned politician. In 2015 after he defeat he made a come back in to politics within days and sequerd his corner within days. Given his impressive track record of pleasing his followers there are many who believe that he is capable of getting his flock together and moveing ahead in manner that is eldest son Namal Rajapaksha is stabilised.Moderate political observers predict that any thing is possibale.
