Basil's bail is forfeited

Due to his failure to appear before the court in the case related to the accusation of purchasing a one-and-a-half-acre land in the Matara area using illegally acquired money, the Matara Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (18) ordered the confiscation of the bail money deposited by former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

This case, filed by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) regarding a property located in Brownhill, Eliyakanda Road, Matara, was called before Matara Chief Magistrate Mr. Chathura Dissanayake.

It was stated before the court that Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, the third accused in this case, has continuously avoided appearing before the court without even submitting a medical report acceptable to the court. Furthermore, the Magistrate fined the three individuals who signed as sureties on his behalf and also ordered their imprisonment if the relevant fines are not paid.

In addition, the court took steps to extend the arrest warrant issued against Mr. Basil Rajapaksa until October 27, 2026.

When the case was called on Tuesday, the first and second accused appeared before the court, and FCID officials appeared for the prosecution, while a panel of lawyers, including President's Counsel Mr. Anil de Silva, appeared representing the defense.