Former Sri Lankan Youth Minister Namal Rajapaksa, who traveled to the Maldives yesterday despite being summoned by court, appeared in the Hambantota District Magistrate Court today upon his return and was released on bail.
Namal, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, flew to the Maldives on the same flight as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was on an official state visit. Namal was reportedly attending a wedding ceremony in the Maldives.
His court appearance is related to a 2017 protest against the transfer of Hambantota Port to Chinese control. Charges connected to the October 6, 2017 incident include unlawful assembly, disobeying court orders, damage to vehicles, disturbing public peace, obstructing official duties, and arson.
Despite having a scheduled court hearing, Namal traveled to the Maldives on Monday. An arrest warrant was issued after his absence but was later canceled when he appeared in court today. The court released him on bail and scheduled the next hearing for January 26, 2026.
Namal also faces separate charges related to money laundering and corruption. He has been previously arrested for investigations. Several members of the Rajapaksa family and senior figures from Mahinda Rajapaksa’s administration continue to face serious allegations in various legal cases.