Four suspects have been arrested by the Kolonna police over setting ablaze a luxury hotel owned by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s youngest son Rohitha Rajapaksa on May 10.  

Police said the suspects were arrested on Monday and Tuesday for stealing items and setting fire to the ‘Green Eco Lodge’ Hotel on May 10 situated at Gongalakanda in Kolonna, Embilipitiya, close to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.  

The suspects aged 25 and 50 years were identified as residents of Kolonna.  

Soon after the luxury hotel was set on fire by angry protestors on May 10, reports surfaced that the hotel belonged to one of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s sons. Some media reported that the hotel belonged to Yoshitha Rajapaksa which was immediately denied by him. However police investigations have revealed that the hotel belonged to Rohitha Rajapaksa, the third son, who remained tight lipped when reports surfaced that the hotel belonged to his brother.  
Rohitha did not hold any official position during his father’s tenure as Prime Minister although he was often seen at Temple Trees and has been questioned on his source of income. There are no reports of him being employed.   
Investigations are ongoing to arrest more suspects connected to the arson attack.   

• The suspects aged 25 and 50 years were identified as residents of Kolonna