Indictments against Keheliya, family to be taken up again

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, Sep 10 (Daily Mirror) - Colombo High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne today ordered that the case filed against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters and son-in-law over allegations of unlawfully acquiring assets, be taken up again on September 15.

When the case was called, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa and Counsel Kanchana Rathwatte, appearing for the defence, submitted that certain documents relevant to the case had not yet been received.

In response, the judge inquired from the prosecution and the state counsel informed court that all documents had been filed at the time the indictment was served.

On June 26, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed indictments before the Colombo High Court against former Minister Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters and son-in-law under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The 43 indictments have been filed against former Minister Keheliya Bandara Dissanayake Rambukwella, his wife Kusum Priyadarshani Aepawihena, his daughters Chamithri Janika Rambukwella, Chandula Ramali Rambukwella, Amali Nayanika Rambukwella and his son-in-law Isuru Pulasthi Bandara Polgasdeniya.

According to the indictment, charges have been preferred under Section 18(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, based on a directive issued by the Commission under Section 65(1) of the Act.

It is alleged that between August 13, 2020 and June 24, 2024, while functioning in connection with the Ministry of Mass Media and the Ministry of Health, the accused unlawfully enriched themselves, thereby committing offences punishable under the Penal Code of Sri Lanka.