Former president of Sri Lanka (2019–2022) and ex-defence secretary who oversaw the civil war’s end. In 2026, linked political and legal scrutiny continues to shape his legacy.
The High Court has found most of the defendants guilty on multiple charges related to the 2019 Easter bombings that killed 279 people and wounded hundreds. Sentencing will be delivered later; several defendants face long prison terms while others are acquitted. The case has highlighted alleged intelligence failures and potential state links to the attacks.
Authorities are pursuing corruption charges linked to a charity tied to the Rajapaksa family. Shiranthi Rajapaksa is facing questions over donations intended for a hospital scanner; Namal Rajapaksa and relatives remain detained on bribery-related charges. The case follows a broad crackdown on past government figures amid Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic strains.