Ramith Rambukwella remanded over alleged misuse of Rs. 8 Million in ministry funds

By Bhagya Silva 

Ramith Rambukwella, son of former minister Keheliya Rambukwella, was today ordered to be remanded till June 3 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali over allegations of aiding and abetting the misappropriation of over Rs. 8 million in public funds during his time as private secretary to his father at the Ministry of Mass Media, Health, and Environment.   

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court that the misappropriation took place between 2021 and 2023, during Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure as minister.   

While serving as his father’s private secretary, Ramith is alleged to have played a key role in recruiting 15 individuals, allegedly close associates and political supporters, into the ministerial staff under false titles. These individuals were not assigned any official duties or responsibilities within the ministry.   

Despite rendering no service, the appointees were paid salaries, allowances, and overtime from ministry funds.   

CIABOC revealed that Ramith had issued standing orders to the Pilimathalawa branch of a state bank to deposit these payments into the private bank accounts of the recruited individuals.   

The Commission further stated that the entire scheme was carried out with the intention of diverting public funds for personal and political use, under the guise of official government appointments.   

Keheliya Rambukwella, the first suspect in the case, is also currently in remand custody in connection with the same incident.   

CIABOC also informed the court that statements from 20 key witnesses are yet to be recorded.