Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Faces Financial Difficulties

Court Decision on Bank Account Freeze Expected on March 17

Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendi announced on March 11 that a final decision regarding the freezing of bank accounts belonging to former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and his family members will be declared on March 17. The accounts were frozen due to an ongoing investigation into an alleged substandard drug procurement scandal.

Financial Hardships Due to Frozen Accounts

Legal representatives for Rambukwella and his family argued in court that the freezing of their bank accounts has led to severe financial difficulties. As a result, they filed a request for the court to lift the freeze order, allowing them access to their funds.

Background of the Bank Account Freeze

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) requested the court to freeze multiple financial assets linked to Rambukwella and his family. The court approved the request, placing restrictions on:

16 fixed deposit accounts valued at over Rs. 950 million
Various personal bank accounts
Life insurance policies
The affected individuals include:

Keheliya Rambukwella (Former Health Minister)
Kusum Priyadarshani Apa Wijena (Wife)
Chamithri Jayanika Rambukwella (Daughter)
Chandhrani Pamali Rambukwella (Daughter)
Amali Nayanika Rambukwella (Daughter)
Isuru Pulasti Bandara Dehideniya

During the court proceedings, the judge ordered the courtroom to be cleared, allowing only legal representatives and law students to remain. Rambukwella’s legal team reiterated that the bank account restrictions had left the family in financial distress and requested the court to lift the freeze.

However, Assistant Director of CIABOC, Attorney Thusitha Jayanetthi, strongly opposed the request, arguing that the freeze should remain in place as investigations continue.

The final ruling on whether to maintain or lift the bank account restrictions will be delivered on March 17, 2024.