Court Clears Way for Trial Against Yoshitha Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court today (14) rejected a preliminary objection filed by the defence in a case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, ruling that a key charge could proceed.

The objection was raised when the case, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, was taken up before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga.

The defence had argued that the charge of conspiracy against the accused could not be maintained.

Delivering the ruling, the judge stated that the preliminary objection lacked merit and dismissed it, noting that there was no legal barrier to proceeding with the charge against the accused.

Following the ruling, the charges against Yoshitha Rajapaksa were formally read out in open court.

Rajapaksa, speaking from the dock, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Subsequently, the High Court commenced the trial proceedings.