Sri Lanka's Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa Admitted to Hospital

Former Sri Lankan First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who was imprisoned at Welikada prison in a corruption case, has been admitted to Colombo National Hospital for treatment after her health deteriorated. Shiranthi, the wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was taken to National Hospital on October 9 for treatment by a special doctor. After that treatment she was returned to prison, but it was decided on October 8 to show a specialist doctor due to an eye problem. She was arrested on October 7 from her private residence by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The commission said she was arrested after about two hours of questioning and a statement regarding alleged financial fraud linked to an account operated in connection with the 'Siriliya Saviya' fund. The allegations concern the misuse of funds donated to buy a scanning machine for a government hospital. In connection with the case, the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) had considered that she might be arrested and proposed releasing her on bail in advance, but the Magistrate Court rejected the proposal. After her arrest and production before court, Colombo Magistrate Court ordered her remanded in custody until October 13. The court also ordered prison authorities to arrange for her to receive necessary medical treatment from a private hospital. Shiranthi's elder son, Namal Rajapaksa, a member of Sri Lanka's legislature, was also arrested in September in a case against him. That case concerns allegations that large bribes were given to senior government officials and politicians in a major transaction with European Airbus company to acquire aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. While Shiranthi was admitted to hospital for medical treatment, her husband and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was also admitted yesterday. Rajapaksa's political party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), said he was taken to hospital on the morning of October 12. The party also said he was under observation in the ICU at that time.