Soneva, a resort chain founded in the Maldives, has denied reports that former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family is attempting to purchase one of its resort villas in the Maldives.
In a press release, Soneva stated that Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president and prime minister of Sri Lanka, is not in discussions to buy a villa at any Soneva property, nor is any member of the former president’s family. It also stated that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sonu Shivdasani has never met, nor had any direct or indirect contact of any kind with Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Furthermore, Soneva stated that the report in a Maldivian blog erroneously stated it has agreed to sell a private villa in the Maldives to the Rajapaksa family, among other baseless claims. It expressed disappointment that such websites in the Maldives spread false information in order to create sensational, untrue, and libelous stories. Sonu has also denied the report in a tweet.
Additionally, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Namal Rajapaksa accused the media is sensationalising to attract more readers from the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He said his father has no intention of leaving Sri Lanka and there is no truth of any plans of him moving to the Maldives or buying any villa.
Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister on May 9 amid mass protests at the government's handling of a deepening economic crisis in Sri Lanka.