Daisy Forrest Named as Suspect in Money Laundering Case

Daisy Forrest, the 96-year-old aunt of Yoshitha Rajapaksa (the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa), has been named as a suspect in a money laundering investigation. The case was heard at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court on February 11, where police confirmed her involvement alongside Yoshitha Rajapaksa.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requested her arrest without first recording her statement. However, the Magistrate rejected this request and denied a foreign travel ban, insisting that the CID record her statement and complete their inquiry before taking further action.

Investigations into Yoshitha Rajapaksa began in 2016 over suspicious transactions exceeding LKR 59 million. A joint bank account involving Daisy Forrest was found to have received some of these funds, leading to legal action under the Criminal Procedure Code. Additional investigations related to property purchases and investments are also underway against Yoshitha Rajapaksa.

Questions remain regarding how Daisy Forrest, with her modest income from previous roles in healthcare and education, could be linked to high-value financial transactions. The investigation continues as authorities examine financial records and gather further evidence.