Dr. Maheshi's daughter denies the charges

Hemali Wijeratne, daughter of Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a specialist neurosurgeon at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, stated today (06) before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that she is innocent of the charges of scolding and threatening Bribery Commission officials and obstructing their duties.

Specialist doctor Maheshi Wijeratne, who is accused of committing a corruption offense by selling neurosurgical equipment at inflated prices to resident patients treated at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, outside the government procurement process, had been remanded by the court. The Bribery Commission has filed this complaint alleging that the accused Hemali Wijeratne threatened Bribery Commission officials and obstructed their duties in front of the Colombo Magistrate's Court on or around July 07, 2025.

As the accused, who appeared before the court, declared herself innocent of the relevant charges, the Chief Magistrate ordered the case to be taken up for hearing. Accordingly, the Magistrate also ordered summons to be issued for witnesses to appear in court on May 05.

President's Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, who presented facts on behalf of the accused, informed the court that his client was ready to face the trial. The lawyer requested permission for her to travel abroad without hindering her educational activities, pointing out that she needed to go abroad to pursue her education at a university in Britain. The accused also expressed her willingness to appear in court on the next hearing date.

The Chief Magistrate, after considering the facts presented, granted permission for the accused Hemali Wijeratne to travel abroad for educational purposes. Furthermore, the Magistrate reiterated that the hearing of the complaint would commence on May 05, as per the summons issued to the prosecution witnesses.