Keheliya’s maid remanded over alleged misuse of state funds linked to Health Ministry appointments

By Bhagya Silva   

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday remanded a woman who had worked as a housemaid for former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella till June 17 in connection with a case involving the misuse of public funds through fraudulent appointments to the Ministry of Health.   

The suspect, Nipuni Krishnajina Rajapaksha, a resident of Embilipitiya, was taken into custody by officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on June 11, 2025.   According to the CIABOC, the woman was employed at the former Minister’s private residence and is believed to be involved in a broader probe concerning the alleged misuse of government salaries and overtime allowances by issuing false Health Ministry appointments.   This is a case where the Bribery Commission is currently investigating former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella over claims that during his tenure as Minister of Mass Media, Health, and Environment between 2021 and 2023, he arranged fictitious ministry appointments for several associates, including members of his personal staff. Salaries and overtime benefits paid to these individuals were allegedly diverted for personal and political use.   

The alleged misuse is said to have caused a loss exceeding Rs.8 million to the government.   Former Minister Rambukwella, his son, and his public relations secretary have all been named in the ongoing investigation. They are currently out on bail after being previously remanded in relation to the same matter.