Authorities have launched an investigation into LKR 59 million found in the bank accounts of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. According to Police Spokesman Senior DIG Nihal Talagala, the funds were deposited in a joint account held with his aunt, Daisy Forrest.
“Daisy Aunty’s Gem Bag” Resurfaces Amid Corruption Allegations
This case, once popularly referred to as “Daisy Aunty’s Gem Bag,” has become a symbol of political corruption and lack of accountability in Sri Lanka. As new details emerge, Daisy Forrest has been issued a travel ban, restricting her from leaving the country.
Suspicious Land Transaction Under Investigation
Yoshitha Rajapaksa was previously remanded under the Money Laundering Act in connection with the purchase of land and a house in Ratmalana worth LKR 34 million. Although later released on bail, investigations by the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) have uncovered further irregularities in the transaction.
Reports indicate that the primary suspect, Daisy Forrest, had previously obtained bail in 2016, following a court subpoena related to this case.
The case revolves around the purchase of a property on Kekatiya Mawatha, Ratmalana. According to investigations, Yoshitha’s former girlfriend, Yasara Abeynayake, informed him about the availability of Plot No. 04, located adjacent to her residence.
A statement given to the CID reveals that the original landowner, Manel Ratnayake, sold the property under Daisy Forrest’s name. However, a key witness, Vasantha Jayasuriya, claimed in his statement that he had never met Daisy Forrest and that he simply transferred the funds, handed over by Yoshitha’s security officer, to a third party named Lushan Ratnayake.
The “Gem Bag” Scandal: A Money Laundering Cover-Up?
Daisy Forrest, who previously worked as a hospital storekeeper, volunteer teacher, and boarding house matron in the 1970s, was reported to have earned a minimal salary throughout her career. However, FCID investigations in 2013 revealed that the “Gem Bag” story was not just a myth but a financial cover-up for laundering millions of rupees.
A key discovery was the purchase of a large estate in Galkissa, where transactions amounting to LKR 49.52 million raised further suspicions.
Ongoing Investigations into Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s Finances
The CID is currently conducting a comprehensive probe into the source of the LKR 59 million in Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s bank accounts. Since the funds were deposited in a joint account with Daisy Forrest, authorities have imposed a travel ban on her.
This case resurfaced in January 2025, amid political tensions between the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). The controversy gained traction following a heated public debate between JVP trade union leader Vasantha Samarasinghe and SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa, further fueling corruption allegations.