Two High Court Judges Recuse Themselves in Namal Rajapaksa’s Money Laundering Case

By Bhagya Silva  

Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Tilakaratne and Judge Sanjeewa Nishshanka both recused themselves from hearing the case against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, who is accused of laundering Rs.70 million through the Krish transaction.  

Initially, the case was taken before Judge Tilakaratne, who stated that he decided to step down due to public comments made on Facebook by Sanath Balasuriya and Poddala Jayantha. He believed these comments had created doubts about the impartiality of the proceedings, making it difficult for his court to ensure fair justice. Following his recusal, the case was transferred to High Court No. 6, where Judge Nishshanka took up the matter. However, Judge Nishshanka also recused himself from hearing the case.  

As a result, the case was referred to Colombo Chief High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige to appoint a new judge for the hearing, and the case was postponed to May 21 after both parties requested more time.