Leading clothing retailer owner remanded over Customs probe

July 18, 2026 at 3:30 PM

House of Fashions owner Preethi Jayawardena has been remanded while receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo after developing a heart-related medical condition during a Sri Lanka Customs investigation.

Sri Lanka Customs Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa confirmed to Newswire that Jayawardena developed the medical condition while with Customs officers and was admitted to hospital.

He said the Colombo Chief Magistrate later visited the hospital, observed the suspect and ordered that he be remanded.

According to Punchihewa, the investigation relates to a Customs valuation issue.  (Newswire)