Son of former Sri Lankan President questioned in murder probe

By APD Writer Easwaran

COLOMBO, August 16 (APD) -- Criminal investigators in Sri Lanka on Wednesday questioned Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in relation to an ongoing high-profile murder investigation.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa appeared before the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to make a statement in relation to the case after he received summons.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s mother, former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa also appeared before the CID on Tuesday to make a statement.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa was summoned to be questioned over the murder of rugger player Wasim Thajudeen.

Thajudeen died on May 17, 2012 with his car found crashed into a wall.

According to police reports at the time, the rugby player was driving home after attending a party when he lost control of the car and crashed into a wall on Park Road. The car had exploded instantly and burnt the victim.

However, suspicions arose later after it was reported that there could have been a political connection in the death of Thajudeen.

The current government, which took office in 2015, launched a fresh investigation into the murder.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)