Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Rajapaksa appeared before the Bribery Commission today in response to a summons issued by investigators. He had initially been asked to appear the previous day but informed the Commission that he was unable to do so due to court proceedings. He was subsequently instructed to report today, after which he was taken into custody.

The investigation relates to allegations surrounding his recruitment to the Sri Lanka Navy and subsequent training at the British Royal Naval Academy in the United Kingdom.

According to findings cited by the Bribery Commission, the British Royal Naval Academy had informed Sri Lankan authorities in 2006 that admission could be arranged, but not on a full scholarship basis, requiring payment for the training.

Investigators have also raised concerns regarding Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s eligibility for recruitment as a naval cadet officer. The Commission alleges that the standard entry requirements, including Advanced Level qualifications in the science or mathematics streams, were later revised and new recruitment advertisements issued, enabling his appointment despite reportedly studying in the arts stream.

The investigation further claims that concerns regarding Ordinary Level qualifications were also addressed through changes that matched his academic background.

Following his recruitment, Yoshitha Rajapaksa travelled to the United Kingdom in January 2007 and underwent training at the British Royal Naval Academy for more than one and a half years, with the costs reportedly borne by the Sri Lankan government.

The Bribery Commission is continuing investigations into the matter.