The office of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has denied the Rajapaksa family has any links to Thilini Priyamali, who has been arrested and remanded for the misappropriation of funds.

Rajapaksa's office in a statement said that the reports and pictures circulating on social media were false and baseless.

"A picture that has been circulated showing Mrs Shiranthi Rajapaksa attending a function which was also attended by Thilini Priyamali was taken in March last year when Mrs. Rajapaksa had attended the launch of a movie production and musical show," the statement said.

"The Former President's office categorically denies any links between Mrs Rajapaksa or any of the Former President's family members with Thilini Priyamali and condemns the actions of some individuals who are circulating the concerning picture, with ulterior motives," the statement said.

Thilini Priyamali was yesterday ordered to be remanded till October 19 after being produced before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s court over allegedly misappropriating Rs.226 million, USD 60,000, and AUD 100,000 while operating a luxurious office at the World Trade Center. She is the owner of Thico Group which has also produced several films including one by Jeevan Kumaratunga.

Priyamali is being accused of defrauding top businessmen, politicians and even clergy in the country of millions of rupees. Since the arrest photographs of her posing with many VIPs in Colombo including political figures have surfaced on social media.