Indictments to be filed against Piumi Hansamali, Thambugala for alleged tax evasion

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, July 31 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Inland Revenue informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena that steps are being taken to file indictments before the Colombo High Court against model and actress Piumi Hansamali and Aura Lanka Chairman T.A.C.V. Thambugala for alleged tax evasion.

Senior State Counsel Dinesh Perera, appearing on behalf of the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, told court that investigation reports on both individuals have already been submitted to the Attorney General and that indictments are expected to be filed before the High Court in due course.

According to the Department, Piumi Hansamali is accused of evading Rs. 194 million in personal income tax for the years 2022 and 2023 and a further Rs. 95 million in taxes linked to a company operated under the name 'Loliya.'

Thambugala is accused of failing to pay Rs. 194 million in personal and additional income taxes for the same years, including penalties and interest.

Presenting progress reports on the ongoing investigations, counsel informed court that both individuals have committed the offence of "wrongful utilisation" by willfully failing to pay taxes owed to the government.

The offences are being investigated into under Sections 186, 189 and 190 of the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017. An updated report on the investigations was also submitted to court.