The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga Bodaragama, has ordered the detention of 40-year-old Yoshitha Rajapaksa for a period of two weeks. The detention is intended to allow authorities to conduct a formal investigation into allegations that he accepted an $800,000 bribe related to a business deal with the aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa is the son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose family held significant political power in the country for many years. The arrest marks a notable development in the ongoing scrutiny of the former administration's financial dealings. While the court has mandated this initial two-week holding period, the investigation remains in its preliminary stages. There have been no formal charges filed at this time, and the legal process is expected to continue as investigators gather evidence regarding the alleged transaction. The Rajapaksa family has historically faced various allegations of corruption, though they have consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing such legal actions as politically motivated.