By The Pulseline News Desk
Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa remains in Singapore after travelling there for medical treatment on 16 September, with her return to Sri Lanka expected this week, according to sources.
Shiranthi was initially expected to return on 19 September, but that date was subsequently postponed several times, and no specific reason was given publicly for the extended stay.
Her continued absence comes as the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) proceeds with an investigation into the Siriliya Saviya Fund.
Shiranthi did not appear before the FCID on 24 September to provide a statement in connection with the investigation. It is learnt that investigators intend to continue the probe and submit the outcome to court.
Investigators are also understood to be examining whether proceedings could ultimately continue ex parte, without Shiranthi being present, depending on the circumstances and the directions of court.
Basil case moves towards Interpol response
Meanwhile, authorities are awaiting the outcome of a Blue Notice request to Interpol concerning former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.
According to informed sources, the Blue Notice request was made after authorities determined that a Red Notice could not be sought because his whereabouts were already known.
One of the matters being pushed by the investigators in the request is Basil’s departure from Sri Lanka while a court-imposed travel restriction was in force. Authorities are understood to have informed Interpol that Basil had obtained his passport temporarily from court after seeking permission to travel overseas, before subsequently leaving the country.
The Blue Notice is intended to assist authorities in obtaining or confirming information concerning an individual’s identity, location or activities in connection with a criminal investigation.
US response could determine next steps
According to informed sources, once the relevant information is transmitted through Interpol to the country where Basil is currently located, in this case the United States (US), the response from the host country would determine what legal avenues could subsequently be pursued.
Those avenues could include mutual legal assistance or, depending on the circumstances and applicable law, an extradition process.
However, if the US does not agree to facilitate either process, Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities could consider continuing proceedings without his presence, subject to the applicable legal procedures and court approval.
For now, authorities are waiting for the outcome of the Interpol process before determining their next steps.
The developments involving Shiranthi and Basil Rajapaksa therefore leave two separate investigations involving senior members of the Rajapaksa family moving forward, with investigators continuing their work despite the absence of the individuals concerned.
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