Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa has been ordered to appear before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on November 21 after failing to attend a hearing related to the alleged illegal acquisition of land using Rs. 50 million in unlawfully obtained funds.
Rajapaksa’s counsel told the court he was undergoing treatment in the United States for spinal and nerve complications sustained from a fall from a chair. A U.S. doctor had advised him to avoid air travel for six months, according to the defense.
The case involves a 1.5-acre property in Browns Hill, Matara, reportedly purchased using proceeds from illicit activity. Rajapaksa and three others, including his sister-in-law Ayoma Galappaththi, are named as suspects.
On May 23, two suspects out on bail appeared in court, but Rajapaksa and Galappaththi were absent. Prosecutors sought to cancel Rajapaksa’s bail and issue a warrant, arguing his travel period had expired and the medical explanation was unconvincing.
Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa denied the request, citing Rajapaksa’s prior compliance with court appearances, and instructed him to be present at the next hearing. (Newswire)