Colombo:Former Sri Lankan first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested on Wednesday on charges of alleged corruption, as reported by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

According to Anadolu Agency, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, 73, the wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, appeared before a Colombo court. She faces accusations of misappropriating 10 million Sri Lankan rupees ($30,250) obtained from the National Savings Bank. These funds were intended for purchasing a CT scanner for Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children through the Siriya Saviya organization, but the scanner was reportedly never provided, and the funds were allegedly used for personal purposes. She has been remanded in custody until October 13, as per local media reports.

Additionally, former National Savings Bank Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam was arrested related to the case but was subsequently released on bail. A ban on foreign travel has also been imposed on him. Kariyawasam is accused of facilitating the improper transfer of funds to the Siriya Saviya account during his tenure as a state bank official.

The current president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has renewed efforts to investigate corruption allegations against the Rajapaksa family, who have been influential in Sri Lankan politics for nearly two decades.