Colombo authorities have summoned former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misuse of charitable donations linked to her organization. The summons was issued by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on Wednesday, intensifying the government’s renewed anti-corruption efforts targeting members of the influential Rajapaksa family.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, 73, was called in shortly before she was scheduled to depart for Singapore for medical treatment, according to family spokesman Manoj Gamage. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny under the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whose government has revitalized investigations into alleged graft involving former ruling family members who held power in Sri Lanka for nearly twenty years.

The inquiry focuses on accusations that donations intended for charitable causes were improperly utilized, though details about the scope or specifics of the alleged financial irregularities have not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have not commented further on the investigation or the former first lady's response to the summons.

The Rajapaksa family has been a dominant force in Sri Lankan politics for decades, with multiple members occupying key positions in government. Since the change in administration, there has been a marked increase in prosecutorial actions against individuals linked to previous regimes, reflecting a broader commitment to combat corruption and restore public trust.

The developments come at a time when Sri Lanka continues to grapple with economic and political challenges, and enhanced accountability of public figures is viewed as a critical component of reform efforts. The FCID’s active pursuit of allegations related to charitable organizations marks a notable expansion of the government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.