The Colombo High Court has ordered former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha Rajapaksa and former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda to appear before court in connection with a complaint filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today (04), where both suspects were present.

After reviewing the submissions made by the Bribery Commission, the Magistrate issued the order directing the two accused to appear before the High Court. (Newswire)

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has filed indictments before the Colombo High Court against Yoshitha Rajapaksa and former Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda.

According to reports, the indictments relate to several allegations, including the recruitment of Yoshitha Rajapaksa to the Sri Lanka Navy despite allegedly not meeting the required educational qualifications.

The case has been filed before the Colombo High Court by the Bribery Commission. Further details are awaited. (Newswire)

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Two Supreme Court judges have recused themselves from hearing the petitions filed related to former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda. 

Justices Dilip Nawaz and Priyantha Fernando announced yesterday that they have recused themselves from hearing the petitions, citing personal reasons. 

The petitions, filed by the relatives of 11 youths who disappeared after being allegedly abducted in Colombo and its suburbs in 2008, challenge the Attorney General’s decision to withdraw charges against Karannagoda, who was the Navy Commander at the time.

When the petitions were taken up for consideration before a three-judge bench on Friday, Judges Nawaz and Fernando cited personal reasons for their recusal.

Accordingly, the petitions will be heard before a different bench on 15 September 2025. (Newswire)

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Former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda has responded to the recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom (UK) Government, stating that they were unjust sanctions.

Issuing a statement, Wasantha Karannagoda said these sanctions are not about justice but are a direct result of international political maneuvering.

“These sanctions are not based on any transparent investigation or legal proceedings. Instead, they reflect the selective application of international pressure, targeting those who played key roles in Sri Lanka’s military victory,” he said.

The comments come after the UK Government recently imposed sanctions on former head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces Shavendra Silva, former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army Jagath Jayasuriya and former LTTE military commander Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman.

Announcing the sanctions, the UK Government said it was imposed for serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lanka civil war; including extrajudicial killings, torture and/or perpetration of sexual violence.

Responding to the sanctions, former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda issued the following statement: 

For decades, I have served Sri Lanka with unwavering dedication, committed to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our people. I have stood firm in the face of challenges—whether on the battlefield, in matters of national security, or in defending our country against external interference. However, today, I find myself facing unjust sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, alongside General Jagath Jayasuriya,  GeneralShavendra de Silva. These sanctions are not about justice but are a direct result of international political maneuvering.

It was War Against Terrorism: A Fight for Survival

Sri Lanka did not seek war, but we had no choice when terrorism threatened to dismantle our nation. The LTTE, one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world, carried out massacres, assassinations, and suicide bombings, terrorizing innocent civilians for decades. While the international community remained passive, it was the Sri Lankan Armed Forces that made the difficult decision to put an end to this brutality.

I take pride in the role I played as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, ensuring that the LTTE’s international supply routes were destroyed. Without weapons, ammunition, and external support, their ability to continue fighting was significantly weakened. The decisive actions of the Navy, alongside the Army and Air Force, led to the eventual defeat of terrorism and the restoration of peace in Sri Lanka.

Selective Targeting and International Hypocrisy

These sanctions are not based on any transparent investigation or legal proceedings. Instead, they reflect the selective application of international pressure, targeting those who played key roles in Sri Lanka’s military victory. The same foreign entities that now impose restrictions did nothing while Sri Lanka was under siege by terrorists. They ignored the atrocities committed by the LTTE, but now demand accountability from those who risked their lives to end a war that claimed thousands of innocent lives.

This double standard raises a critical question: Is this truly about human rights, or is it about political influence?

Sri Lanka’s challenges did not end with the defeat of terrorism. There have been numerous internal and external attempts to destabilize the country, often with foreign involvement. As someone who has always prioritized the security of this nation, I am well aware of the forces that have worked against our national interests. These include individuals who have misused their positions of power, collaborated with external actors, and sought to manipulate political outcomes for personal gain.

The events of May 9, 2022, serve as a stark reminder of how internal betrayal and foreign interference can converge to create chaos. If not for the swift and decisive actions of the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force that night, the country’s leadership and future would have been drastically altered. While others plotted, it was the dedication of our military personnel that prevented a complete breakdown of order.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to Sri Lanka. I have always placed my country above personal ambition, and I will continue to do so. No foreign government, no politically motivated sanction, and no internal betrayal can change my unwavering belief in this nation’s strength.

The people of Sri Lanka know the truth. They lived through the war, they witnessed the sacrifices made, and they understand who truly stood for the country in its time of need. These sanctions will not define my legacy or the legacy of those who genuinely defended this nation.

Sri Lanka has overcome greater challenges before, and we will do so again. As a nation, we must remain vigilant, united, and steadfast against all forces—both foreign and domestic—that seek to weaken us. (Newswire)

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A five-judge bench of the Court of Appeal has been appointed to hear the writ petition filed by former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda.

Karannagoda had filed a writ petition seeking an order to annul the case filed before a three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court against him in connection with the disappearance of 11 youths in Colombo and its suburbs in 2008.

The petition filed by Karannagoda was taken up for hearing before Court of Appeal President Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice Shashi Mahendran today. 

The Court of Appeal President issued an order announcing the appointment of a five-judge bench to hear the writ petition.

Accordingly, the writ petition has been fixed for hearing on June 25 before the newly appointed five-judge bench. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka regrets the decision by the U.S. to designate Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, the present Governor of the North Western Province, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The Ministry said in a statement that Foreign Minister Ali Sabry expressed Sri Lanka’s grave concerns associated with this decision to the U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung today.

As a longstanding bilateral partner of Sri Lanka, such unilateral action by the U.S. without following due process is counter-productive to the holistic approach that Sri Lanka has taken to addressing national unity and reconciliation. 

It is also unfortunate that the announcement emanates against the backdrop of the tangible progress made by the Government in strengthening the country’s democratic governance and reconciliation structures, the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry further said that despite these challenges, Sri Lanka will continue in its ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliation, economic recovery and socio-economic development.

The statement comes after the United States announced yesterday that it has designated the Governor of the North Western Province Wasantha Karannagoda over alleged human rights violations during his tenure as a Naval Commander.

A statement issued by the United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said that thereby, Karannagoda and his wife, Srimathi Ashoka Karannagoda, are ineligible for entry into the United States.

The allegation that Wasantha Karannagoda committed a gross human rights violation, documented by NGOs and independent investigations, is serious and credible. 

By designating Wasantha Karannagoda, the United States reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, ending impunity for human rights violators, acknowledging the suffering of victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for perpetrators in Sri Lanka, US Secretary of State Blinken’s statement added. (NewsWire)

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The United States has designated the Governor of the North Western Province in Sri Lanka, Wasantha Karannagoda over alleged human rights violations during his tenure as a Naval Commander.

The statement issued by the United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said that thereby, Karannagoda and his wife, Srimathi Ashoka Karannagoda, are ineligible for entry into the United States.

The allegation that Wasantha Karannagoda committed a gross human rights violation, documented by NGOs and independent investigations, is serious and credible. 

By designating Wasantha Karannagoda, the United States reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, ending impunity for human rights violators, acknowledging the suffering of victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for perpetrators in Sri Lanka, the statement added.

The statement issued by the U. S Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken:

The United States is designating Wasantha Karannagoda, Governor of North Western Province in Sri Lanka, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, due to his involvement in a gross violation of human rights during his tenure as a Naval Commander.  

As a result of today’s action, Karannagoda and his wife, Srimathi Ashoka Karannagoda, are ineligible for entry into the United States.

The allegation that Wasantha Karannagoda committed a gross human rights violation, documented by NGOs and independent investigations, is serious and credible.  By designating Wasantha Karannagoda, the United States reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, ending impunity for human rights violators, acknowledging the suffering of victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for perpetrators in Sri Lanka.

The bilateral relationship between the United States and the Government of Sri Lanka is based on 75 years of shared history, values, and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.  As we continue to build our bilateral relationship, we are committed to working with the Sri Lankan government on advancing justice, accountability, and reconciliation, including promoting security reform that maintains human rights at the forefront while ensuring Sri Lanka has the resources and training to properly address emerging security concerns. (NewsWire)

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