Sri Lankan political figures face drug and fraud allegations

Two separate legal developments involving figures associated with Sri Lankan politics have emerged.

Mahinda Kahandagama was arrested by the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau in the Mirihana area for alleged involvement in 'ice' drug trafficking. Following his arrest, both the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the Nava Sama Samaja Party have distanced themselves from him. SLPP General Secretary Sagala Kariyawasam clarified that while Kahandagama contested elections under an SLPP alliance, he was a member of the Nava Sama Samaja Party and never a member of the SLPP. The court has authorized his detention for questioning until the 12th.

Separately, SLPP parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and former Krrish company director Janaki Siriwardena have been remanded in connection with a large-scale real estate fraud case. The investigation involves allegations of fraudulent dealings within a development project that caused financial distress to numerous investors. The court ordered both suspects to remain in remand as authorities continue to examine financial records and evidence related to the Krrish project.