Grandma Daisy is acquitted from the case due to health reasons, including dementia.

The Colombo High Court today ordered the acquittal of Ms. Daisy Forest, grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, from the relevant case.

The main reason for this order was that she, being 98 years old, suffers from serious conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Earlier, when the case was called before Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, President's Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for the defendant, pointed out to the court that due to her advanced age and mental health condition, she had no understanding of the charges against her or the court process.

The lawyer also emphasized that it was baseless to proceed with an indictment against her, as she is in a condition where she cannot even carry out her personal affairs independently. Furthermore, the defense counsel drew the court's attention to the fact that based on special medical reports confirming her inability to manage her affairs independently, the Gangodawila District Court had transferred the guardianship of her property to another party in 2017.

Regarding these submissions, Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, appearing for the prosecution, had previously stated that this was the first time such a matter was presented to the court, and although the defendant's age and medical condition were acceptable, the High Court could not act solely on a District Court order, and therefore, time was needed to consider calling for new medical reports.

During the hearings, the defendants Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Daisy Forest, who were released on bail, appeared before the court, and after extensively considering all medical conditions and legal facts presented, the High Court issued this order to acquit the defendant.

However, the case continues, and the complaints related to Yoshitha will be heard further.