The Colombo High Court has ordered that the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters, and son-in-law, regarding the alleged unlawful acquisition of assets and property valued at approximately Rs. 97 million, be summoned for a further pre-trial conference on October 15.
Keheliya Rambukwella and the other defendants appeared in court today (01 Oct), when the case was called before Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing on behalf of Rambukwella, informed the court that 12 documents requested by the defence had not yet been provided by the prosecution.
He pointed out that although the Commission had suddenly filed indictments against the defendants, the relevant documents had not been handed over to the defence, which he described as a flawed precedent.
He further stated that his client required those 12 documents to properly face trial and that they had still not been received.
Appearing on behalf of the Bribery Commission, Assistant Director General Subhashini Siriwardena told the court that efforts were underway to locate and promptly provide the requested documents.
She also noted that some of the requested documents were related to ongoing investigations.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa emphasized that the documents were crucial for the defence in preparing for trial.
Accordingly, the judge instructed the Assistant Director General of the Bribery Commission to ensure the documents are provided promptly and scheduled the next pre-trial conference for October 15.
The case was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, alleging that during the period from August 13, 2020, to June 24, 2024, while serving in the Ministries of Mass Media, Health, and Environment, Keheliya Rambukwella unlawfully acquired assets exceeding Rs. 97 million.
The defendants named in the case include his wife Kusum Priyadarshani Epa, daughters Chamithri Rambukwella, Chandula Rambukwella, Amali Rambukwella, and son-in-law Isuru Pulasthi Bandara Polgasdeniya. (Newswire)