Sri Lanka's anti-corruption watchdog has brought fresh scrutiny to a controversial Rs. 10 million donation originally intended to purchase a CT scanner for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, with investigators uncovering a series of irregular financial transactions connected to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation — the charitable organisation formerly headed by ex-First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has presented its findings before court, raising serious concerns about how public donations were managed and whether funds reached their intended destination.
The Rs. 10 Million Donation at the Centre of the Storm
At the heart of the CIABOC investigation lies a donation of Rs. 10 million that was reportedly collected with the explicit purpose of procuring a CT scanner for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, one of Sri Lanka's most prominent children's hospitals located in Colombo. Hospitals like Lady Ridgeway depend heavily on charitable contributions to upgrade critical medical equipment, making such donations a matter of significant public trust. However, according to CIABOC's submissions to the court, the funds did not follow a straightforward path toward fulfilling that stated purpose. Instead, investigators say they encountered a web of financial irregularities that have prompted deeper scrutiny into how the money was handled once it entered the foundation's accounts.
Siriliya Saviya Foundation Under the Microscope
The Siriliya Saviya Foundation, established during the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and chaired by his wife Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was positioned as a philanthropic vehicle aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka. The foundation engaged in various social welfare programmes, and its association with the First Lady gave it considerable visibility and credibility during that political era. However, CIABOC's current investigation suggests that the financial governance of the foundation may have fallen significantly short of the transparency expected of charitable organisations handling public funds.
Investigators have reportedly identified a series of transactions that raise questions about proper accounting, fund allocation, and whether donations earmarked for specific purposes were redirected or misused. While the full details of the transactions remain subject to ongoing legal proceedings, CIABOC's decision to bring the matter before the court signals that authorities believe there is sufficient evidence to warrant formal judicial examination of the foundation's financial conduct.
CIABOC's Role and Legal Proceedings
CIABOC, Sri Lanka's primary institution mandated to investigate and prosecute bribery and corruption, has been increasingly active in pursuing cases involving public figures and organisations with political connections. The commission operates independently and has the authority to refer cases to the High Court for prosecution. By presenting its findings in court, CIABOC is signalling that the investigation has progressed beyond preliminary inquiry and that the irregularities identified are considered serious enough to merit legal accountability.
The case is expected to draw considerable public attention, not only because of its connection to a high-profile political family but also because it touches on the integrity of charitable giving in Sri Lanka. When donors contribute to causes such as hospital equipment funds, they do so with the expectation that their money will be used exactly as promised. Any deviation from that expectation undermines public confidence in charitable institutions more broadly.
Broader Implications for Charitable Governance in Sri Lanka
The CIABOC case against the Siriliya Saviya Foundation is not occurring in isolation. Sri Lanka has, in recent years, witnessed growing public demand for greater accountability from both government institutions and affiliated non-governmental organisations. The economic crisis that gripped the country in 2022 intensified public sensitivity toward financial mismanagement, particularly when it involves funds meant for healthcare or social welfare.
This case may also prompt lawmakers and regulatory bodies to revisit the legal framework governing charitable foundations in Sri Lanka. Critics have long argued that organisations with political affiliations enjoy insufficient oversight, creating conditions where funds can be mismanaged without adequate checks and balances. Stronger regulatory mechanisms, mandatory audits, and transparent public reporting could help prevent similar controversies from arising in the future.
What Happens Next
As the case continues to unfold in court, all eyes will be on the evidence CIABOC presents and how the defence responds to the allegations of irregular transactions. The outcome of this case could have significant legal and political ramifications, potentially setting a precedent for how Sri Lanka holds charitable organisations accountable when public trust is allegedly breached.
For the families and children who depend on Lady Ridgeway Hospital's services, the case is a stark reminder of how corruption — if proven — can deprive the most vulnerable members of society of critical healthcare resources. CIABOC's pursuit of this investigation reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that no institution, regardless of its political associations, operates above the law in Sri Lanka.