Sri Lankan police arrested Sagara Kariyawasam, the General-Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP), on August 10, 2026, for allegedly issuing a death threat against Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya. Kariyawasam was taken into custody following a press conference where he warned Weerasooriya that he could be killed if he continued to be partisan. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on the once-powerful Rajapaksa political dynasty, which has seen multiple members facing corruption and money-laundering charges.
Who is Sagara Kariyawasam?
Sagara Kariyawasam is the General-Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP), a position that makes him a key figure in the political party of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.
What led to his arrest?
Kariyawasam was arrested after he allegedly issued a death threat against Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya during a press conference in Colombo last week. Weerasooriya considered this a direct threat to his life.
What is the political context of this arrest?
The arrest comes as part of a broader effort by the leftist government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who came to power in September 2024, to crack down on bribery and graft. The government has been targeting associates and relatives of the Rajapaksa family, who are facing multiple charges including money-laundering and stealing state funds.
What are the charges against the Rajapaksa family?
Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa is facing allegations of receiving kickbacks from Airbus over a scrapped aircraft purchase deal. His three children, wife, two brothers, and several nephews and nieces are also facing charges of money-laundering and stealing state funds.
