Housemaid of Keheliya granted bail

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, June 17 (Daily Mirror) - A woman who had worked as a housemaid for former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was released on bail in connection with a case involving the misuse of public funds through fraudulent appointments to the Ministry of Health.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga granted bail to the suspect on four sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

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 CIABOC, the woman was employed at the former Minister’s private residence and is believed to be connected to a broader investigation into the alleged misuse of government salaries and overtime allowances by issuing false Health Ministry appointments.

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 connection with the same matter.

The Bribery Commission informed the court that further investigations are being carried out regarding a bank account maintained by the suspect. Although the suspect claimed the account was opened for a firewood business, investigations have revealed that no such business activities were conducted through the account.

Appearing on behalf of the suspect, the defense counsel told the court that the funds in the account belonged to a third party, identified as Nishantha Basnayake, who is the third suspect in the case. He further argued that the funds in question do not belong to the government.