Namal released on bail upon appearing at court after return from Maldives

Former Sri Lankan Youth Minister and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's son, Namal Rajapaksa, who returned to Sri Lanka following a warrant for his arrest while in the Maldives to attend a wedding reception, has been granted bail after appearing before the court.

Namal traveled to the Maldives on the same flight as incumbent Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who arrived in the Maldives on a state visit on Monday.

According to Sri Lankan media outlets, Namal traveled to the Maldives to attend a wedding reception.

Hambantota Magistrate's Court, Sri Lanka, has issued an arrest warrant against Namal following his failure to appear in court for hearings in a case pertaining to money laundering and bribery.

Sri Lankan media outlets said Namal returned to the country on Tuesday morning and appeared before the court following which he was released on bail

Namal was charged with money laundering and bribery in January. He has pleaded not guilty in the case, citing the charges are politically motivated.

Dissanayake won Sri Lanka’s most recent presidential elections after contesting against Namal.

Notably, Namal currently serves as a member of the Parliament.

Sri Lanka's financial state declined from 2019, with a series of events leading to a severe economic crisis by 2022, and the government led by Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Mahindra’s brother, proved unable to manage the crisis. The predicament of the Sri Lankan populace worsened, leading to increased public animosity towards the government and sustained protests for over a month. Gotabaya was ultimately compelled to resign and depart the country after a crowd breached the presidential palace.