In brief
Sri Lanka’s ex‑first lady faces arrest after her charity allegedly diverted funds earmarked for a crucial scanning unit at a children’s hospital, a scandal that undermines efforts to build climate‑resilient medical infrastructure. While the donation was meant to improve diagnostics for heat‑related illnesses, the funds are now claimed to be locked in opaque accounts. Anti‑corruption officials say the money could be better used for green‑powered facilities that are hardened against floods and extreme heat. The case is part of a wider probe into the Rajapaksa family's alleged misuse of public funds, highlighting the need for transparent financing to secure international climate‑health funding.
Misused Donations Undermine Sri Lanka's Quest for Climate‑Resilient Healthcare
Sri Lanka's former first lady, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was arrested on Friday after anti‑corruption officials accused her charity of diverting 10 million rupees (about $30,300) that were raised for a vital new scanner at Colombo's Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital.
The alleged misuse comes at a time when the island nation is grappling with frequent flooding and heatwaves that strain already overloaded medical facilities. When funds are siphoned away, the country misses a critical chance to upgrade hospitals with climate‑resilient features such as upgraded ventilation systems, solar power, and flood‑proof infrastructure.
The donations were earmarked for a specialised radiology scanner, a technology that can improve early diagnosis and reduce treatment times for children who may be affected by heat‑stroke or other climate‑driven illnesses. Instead, officials say the money remains in treasury under an opaque charity account.
Rajapaksa has denied wrongdoing, claiming the funds were used responsibly, while a spokesperson for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa insists the charity's accounts are “safe.” The arrest is part of a broader crackdown that has targeted several members of the Rajapaksa family over corruption allegations that threatened to divert resources from public welfare.
Experts warn that systemic corruption hampers Sri Lanka's ability to secure green financing and international support for climate‑friendly health infrastructure. Transparent fund management is essential if the country is to invest in future‑proof hospitals that can withstand extreme weather and protect vulnerable children's health.
