The Billion-Rupee Question: How Did Ex-Minister Keheliya & Family Get So Rich?

It’s the kind of story that sounds like it came straight out of a political thriller—or maybe a high-budget local drama. But no, this is real life.

Former Health and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife, three daughters, and son-in-law have all been officially indicted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The charge? Amassing unexplainable wealth over Rs. 970 million—yes, that’s nearly a billion rupees—while serving in public office.

And if you’re wondering, this isn’t just about Keheliya—the entire family is in the spotlight.

Meet the Accused

Among those named in this financial mystery:

Keheliya Rambukwella (former minister)

Kusum Priyadarshani Aepa (wife)

Daughters: Chamithri Jayanika, Chandula Ramali, Amali Nayanika

Son-in-law: Isuru Pulasthi Bandara Polgasdeniya

The allegations are serious: Within just two days in 2023, their bank accounts saw suspicious inflows totaling nearly Rs. 100 million. And that was just the beginning.

CIABOC's investigation, supported by Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) from the Central Bank, uncovered a maze of deposits, insurance policies, and fixed deposits—none of which could be reasonably explained by their declared incomes.

So, Where Did the Money Go?

Let’s talk numbers—because the paper trail here is as thick as a bank ledger.

In 2003, Keheliya's wife deposited Rs. 30 million in a private bank.

In 2023, eldest daughter Chamithri purchased two life insurance policies worth Rs. 9 million and Rs. 2 million.

The second daughter, Chandula, grabbed an Rs. 8 million policy on the very same day.

Just two days earlier, youngest daughter Amali opened 8 bank accounts with deposits totaling Rs. 30 million, and later added Rs. 34 million worth of insurance policies to her name.

Not to be left out, the son-in-law invested over Rs. 14 million in five separate fixed deposits.

The grand total? Over Rs. 930 million in assets allegedly amassed during Keheliya’s four-year ministerial tenure between August 2020 and July 2024.

The Court Drama Begins

On July 17, all six accused were brought before Colombo High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne, where 43 indictments were formally read out under:

The Prevention of Money Laundering Ac

Sectons of the Sri Lankan Penal Code related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and falsification of accounts

Unsurprisingly, each accused pleaded not guilty.

The court released them on bail—Rs. 50,000 in cash and Rs. 1 million personal surety per person. They were also slapped with foreign travel bans, ordered to hand over their passports, and told to provide fingerprint records for background checks.

More Trouble Brewing

If you thought that was all—think again. There are 10 separate investigations ongoing against the family. One major case is already back in court on August 5, while another—regarding the controversial GI bottle procurement scandal—will be heard on July 18.

And there’s more: Keheliya faces a third case involving the shady supply of 6,195 non-medicine vials labeled as Human Immunoglobulin and Rituximab, which were allegedly supplied to the Ministry of Health at the cost of Rs. 14.4 million, causing massive financial loss to the state.

A Lavish Life Under the Radar?

The gossip circles are buzzing: Was this a carefully planned fortune-building spree disguised under public service? Or a case of financial misinterpretation?

Only time—and the court—will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the drama is just heating up.