Arrest warrant issued for Namal while in Maldives for a wedding party

Hambantota Magistrate's Court, Sri Lanka, has issued an arrest warrant for former Sri Lankan Youth Minister and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's son, Namal Rajapaksa, who is currently in the Maldives to attend a wedding reception.

Sri Lankan media outlets report that Namal arrived in Male' on Monday aboard the same flight as Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is presently on a State Visit. Both individuals traveled in the business class section of this morning's Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL 101.

President Dissanayake of Sri Lanka is currently on his inaugural visit to the Maldives, at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The President's Office has stated that discussions between the two leaders will focus on further solidifying bilateral relations.

An arrest warrant for Namal was issued following his failure to appear in court to face charges of corruption and money laundering. He has not adhered to prior court orders.

Namal had been previously apprehended in connection with this case.

It is noteworthy that Namal also participated in the most recent presidential elections, which were won by the incumbent President of Sri Lanka, Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka's financial state declined from 2019, with a series of events leading to a severe economic crisis by 2022, and the government led by Gotabhaya Rajapaksa proved unable to manage the crisis. The predicament of the Sri Lankan populace worsened, leading to increased public animosity towards the government and sustained protests for over a month. Gotabaya was ultimately compelled to resign and depart the country after a crowd breached the presidential palace.