Keheliya, Son Granted Bail in Major Corruption Case

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today (3) ordered to release on bail, former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his son Ramith Rambukwella, in connection with a high-profile corruption investigation.

The suspects were granted bail under strict conditions, including three personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each and three cash bails of Rs. 50,000 each.

The court also imposed a travel ban on the accused and ordered the surrender of their passports to the court.

A third suspect, Nishantha Bandara Basnayake, who served as the coordinating secretary to the former minister, was released on two personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 100,000.

The arrests were made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with three complaints alleging misuse of public funds during Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure as Minister of Mass Media, Health, and Environment between 2021 and 2023.

According to the charges, 15 individuals were allegedly appointed to the minister’s personal staff in name only, with their salaries and overtime allowances—amounting to over Rs. 8 million—reportedly diverted for personal and political use.

The case has been scheduled for further hearing on October 10, 2025.