Keheliya’s son named suspect in Rs. 8M misappropriation case Keheliya further remanded

By Bhagya Silva   

The Bribery Commission has named Ramith Rambukwella, son of Keheliya Rambukwella, as a suspect in the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs. 8 million in ministry funds. The funds were reportedly used to pay salaries and maintain staff who had not performed any official duties.   

Meanwhile, former Minister of Mass Media, Health and Environment, Keheliya Rambukwella, who is at the centre of the same allegation, was further remanded till June 3 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali.   

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court that statements are yet to be recorded from 20 witnesses. It was also revealed that although Mr. Basnayake, who served as the Public Relations Officer, was requested to appear before the Commission to provide a statement, he has not done so thus far.   

The Magistrate stated in court that, since the investigation is still ongoing, a reasonable amount of time is required to complete it. She further noted that, due to the large number of witnesses, there is a risk of undue influence by the suspect. On these grounds, the bail application was rejected.   

The Magistrate also ordered prison authorities to ensure that the suspect receives appropriate medical treatment as needed.   

Officers of the CIABOC told the court that during the period 2021 to 2023, the suspect, while serving as the Minister of Mass Media, Health, and Environment, allegedly instructed two individuals, Moditha Rathnayake and Sumith Yasaratne, who were working in his private staff, to open a bank account at a private bank located in the Pilimathalawa area.   

Subsequently, five individuals were allegedly included in his private staff under nominal designations, and their salaries, allowances, and overtime payments were deposited into that bank account at the suspect’s direction.   

CIABOC further informed that the suspect had issued standing instructions to the Pilimathalawa bank branch to transfer funds to the accounts of 15 individuals residing in the Kandy area. According to Bribery Commission officials, these individuals were identified as close associates and supporters of the suspect.   

Officers also informed the court that the suspect used funds withdrawn from this account to pay his personal utility bills, including water and electricity charges.