Maid at Keheliya residence arrested

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, June 11 (Daily Mirror) - Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today ordered the remand of a woman who had worked as a housemaid for former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, until 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 CIABOC, the woman had been 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 through false Health Ministry appointments.

The Bribery Commission is currently investigating former Minister Rambukwella over claims that during his tenure as Minister of Mass Media, Health, and Environment between 2021 and 2023, he orchestrated fictitious ministry appointments for several associates, including members of his personal staff. The salaries and overtime benefits paid to these individuals were allegedly diverted for personal and political purposes.

The alleged misuse is said to have caused a financial 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.