Keheliya’s cousin remanded

2026-02-03 - 16:19

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that a gem merchant who was arrested on allegations of aiding and abetting the laundering of illicitly acquired funds by former minister Keheliya Rambukwella be remanded until the 10th. The suspect, who was arrested this morning by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), is said to be a cousin of Mr Rambukwella. Presenting facts before court, officials of the Bribery Commission stated that sufficient evidence had been uncovered to show that the suspect had been involved in money-laundering activities together with the former minister. They further informed court that investigations into the incident were still ongoing and that granting bail at this stage could obstruct the investigative process. Accordingly, the Bribery Commission requested that the suspect be remanded. Appearing on behalf of the suspect, counsel Kanchana Rathwatte requested that his client be released on bail. After considering the submissions made, the Magistrate ordered that the suspect be remanded until the 10th.