Keheliya, wife and daughter remanded for failing to meet bail conditions

Thursday, 19 June 2025 03:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife Kusum Priyadarshini Epa, and their daughter Chandula Ramali Rambukwella, were remanded yesterday after failing to meet bail conditions set by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. The trio was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges of money laundering in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal asset accumulation amounting to Rs. 97.35 million.

The suspects appeared before the Bribery Commission yesterday morning to provide statements regarding the origins of their assets.

CIABOC officials informed the Court that the arrests were linked to investigations carried out under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The inquiry was initiated following a complaint by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), which flagged suspicious financial transactions.

Investigators revealed that two fixed deposit accounts, each valued at Rs. 30 million, were found in the names of the second and third suspects—Rambukwella’s wife and daughter. Additionally, bank accounts with Rs. 15 million each, held under different names, were also discovered. The Commission noted that they are also probing the suspects’ life insurance policies as part of the investigation.

Further, CIABOC officials stated that a property owned by Keheliya’s other daughter, Amali Rambukwella, and a vehicle belonging to her husband, Pulasthi Bandara, have been seized and are currently in the Commission’s custody. Indictments relating to one of the uncovered allegations have already been filed in the Colombo High Court.

Officials noted that they are investigating the alleged misuse of official residences and State vehicles by the former Minister, along with suspected malpractices in the procurement of substandard medicines during his tenure as Health Minister.

Investigators also expressed concerns over witness intimidation, requesting the Court to reconsider granting bail due to the potential risk of interference in the ongoing probe.

Appearing for the defence, attorney Kanchana Ratwatte argued that his clients had submitted all relevant income documents to the Commission.

He claimed that the former Minister operated a licenced gem mine and had sold gems at auctions conducted by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), earning Rs. 610 million and paying Rs. 125 million in taxes.

Ratwatte maintained that no evidence of money laundering had been presented and denied that witnesses were being influenced and requested to release them on bail.

After reviewing submissions made by both sides, Colombo Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali ordered the suspects to be released on Rs. 50,000 cash bail and three sureties of Rs. 5 million each. In addition, the Magistrate imposed a travel ban on all three suspects.

However, due to their inability to fulfil the bail conditions, Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, and daughter have been placed under remand.

The case is scheduled to be heard again on 24 August.

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