There is a rumour in political circles that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to be arrested upon his return to the country today (19).

Rajapaksa is slated to arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning from the US while a rumour circulating in Sri Lanka’s political circles claims that he will be arrested on arrival.

It is believed that he is to be arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into an allegation of financial misappropriation of state funds.  

The allegation in question is pertaining to an alleged discrepancy during the construction of the D.A. Rajapaksa Museum and Memorial in Medamulana.

Police are investigating a complaint that the museum and memorial was built allegedly using funds amounting to Rs 90 million from the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation & Development Corporation (SLLR&DC).

The Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) had recorded statements from the former defence secretary and several other individuals from the previous regime with regard to the allegation. 

UPDATE: 9.50am

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport a short while and was not arrested upon arrival. 

Sources confirm that the rumors surrounding the incident were false and that the former Defence Secretary did not encounter any resistance upon his arrival.