Keheliya and son granted bail

Wednesday, 4 June 2025 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered the release on bail, of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his son Ramith Rambukwella, over allegations of causing a Government loss exceeding Rs. 8 million.

The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali after considering the submissions made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the Defence Counsel.

The two main suspects were granted bail under strict conditions, including two personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each and two cash bails of Rs. 50,000 each.

Nishantha Bandara Basnayake was named as the third suspect in the case, was released on two cash bails of Rs. 50,000 each and four sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

The Court also imposed a travel ban on all suspects.

The arrests were made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with three complaints alleging misuse of public funds during Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure as Mass Media, Health and Environment Minister between 2021 and 2023.

According to the charges, 15 individuals were allegedly appointed to the Minister’s personal staff in name only, with their salaries and overtime allowances amounting to over Rs. 8 million reportedly diverted for personal and political use.

The case has been scheduled for further hearing on 10 October 2025.