Lanka govt says enough proof against former regime for corruption

Sri Lankan investigators have found enough evidence to arrest members of the previous Mahinda Rajapakse regime for alleged corruption and rights abuses during his 10-year rule, a senior minister has said, according to a media report.“Investigations are nearing end. All will be arrested and taken to court,” said Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Health and government spokesman.Senaratne said enough evidence has been uncovered to hold trials against former regime members facing human rights abuse and corruption charges.He said the government did not interfere in the probe as the investigators were provided complete independence, a PTI report says.Independent investigations were made possible as the new government of President Maithripala Sirisena formed after the January 2015 presidential poll restored the freedom of the law enforcement agencies, the minister said.The Sirisena government has pledged to restore the rule of law, advocating stringent action against Rajapakse regime members for alleged corruption, wrongdoings and rights abuses.But Sri Lankan people have shown discontent over the slow pace of the investigations. There have been allegations that the Sirisena government was shielding some of the alleged perpetrators to cut-in political deals.Rajapakse loyalists have denied any wrongdoing during the 10-year rule of the former Sinhala strongman, even dubbing the action taken by the present government a political witch-hunt.Since Rajapakse’s defeat in January presidential polls, family members and close associates of the former president have faced corruption allegations, including having secret bank accounts overseas.Some of them, including then economic development minister and Rajapakse’s younger brother Basil, were arrested.Rajapakse’s wife Shiranthi was also quizzed by police. His sons are said to be linked to the murder of a popular rugby player. The Rajapakses have denied the charges.