Justice Minister Clarifies Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s Bail Amid Public Concern

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has addressed public concerns regarding the recent granting of bail to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, emphasising that the decision adhered strictly to the legal process under the Bail Act.

Speaking to the media, the Minister acknowledged doubts about whether the current government is mirroring past practices in handling high-profile cases.

“There is a perception, fuelled by past experiences, that arrests are followed by media spectacles, only for individuals to be released soon after. That is not the case here,” he stated.

Nanayakkara explained that granting bail does not equate to acquittal, noting that courts assess factors such as flight risk, interference with investigations, and criminal history. “If none of these arise, the standard procedure is to grant bail,” he added.

The allegations against Yoshitha Rajapaksa date back eight years, during which he was not named as a suspect. The Minister suggested that political circumstances may have influenced delays in the case.

According to Nanayakkara, the Attorney General recently instructed police to follow standard procedures, leading to Yoshitha’s court appearance and subsequent bail.

He reassured the public that the money laundering case would proceed without interference, stating, “Granting bail does not absolve him of the charges.”

Urging patience, he said, “In two to three months, the public will see whether this government is committed to a new governance path or reverting to old patterns.”