Shiranthi Rajapaksa to Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa's departure to Singapore has drawn significant attention, especially after she was informed to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on the 24th to give a statement regarding several alleged financial irregularities at the Siriliya Saviya Foundation. Reports indicate that she is currently admitted to Singapore's leading Mount Elizabeth Hospital and is undergoing a special medical examination.

The former First Lady, who had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo for about a week, went directly to Katunayake International Airport immediately after being discharged. The notice to give the statement was initially sent to Carlton House in Tangalle, and upon learning of her preparations to travel abroad, Financial Crimes Investigation officers arrived at the airport. There, the summons notice was handed over to her just as she was about to board the plane, and a relative traveling with her accepted the document on her behalf.

However, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's media spokesperson, Attorney Manoj Gamage, completely refutes reports that this is an attempt to evade the law. In a special statement, he pointed out that this trip was solely for the purpose of obtaining further medical treatment for her illness, and that she is scheduled to return to the island on the 19th. Accordingly, she will appear before the FCID on the 24th as scheduled.

Further clarifying the Siriliya Saviya account under accusation, the lawyer stated that a donation of 2 million rupees was received from the People's Bank at the time to purchase a PET scan machine for child cancer patients at Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. However, due to the Chinese government's decision to provide the machine free of charge, the foundation decided to use the collected funds to construct a children's ward, he said.

Attorney Manoj Gamage emphasized that none of the funds in that account have been used for personal use by Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa or any member of her family, and that all provisions, including the People's Bank donation, remain securely in that bank account to this day. He urged authorities not to involve women at home in political witch hunts, reminding them that the current government's power is temporary.

Previously, Duminda Silva, who caused controversy after the Bharatha murder incident, also stayed for a long time at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. At that time, Duminda managed to avoid court for a long period by using those hospital reports.