Ramith Laksen Bandara Rambukwella, the son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, has been remanded in custody until June 3 over allegations of fraudulently obtaining more than Rs. 8 million in government funds. The case was presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali on May 21.
According to Assistant Director (Legal) of the Commission to Investigate Bribery or Corruption, Ms. Sulochana, Ramith submitted false names of secretaries for the Ministries of Mass Media, Health, and Environment while serving as a private secretary to these ministries. He has been named the second suspect in this case.
Ms. Sulochana stated in court that Ramith acted as the personal secretary to his father, the first suspect, former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who is also currently in custody. Ramith is accused of fraudulently appointing 15 individuals to positions in the three ministries. These appointments were nominal, with no actual recruitment taking place. With the help of associates, including Moditha Ratnayake and Sumith Yasaratne, a private bank account was opened under the name of a person identified as Basnayake, a close friend of Ramith’s, in Pilimathalawa.
The prosecution revealed that Ramith withdrew salaries and overtime allowances meant for these fictitious appointments and used the funds for his father’s political campaigns, personal expenses, and public events. Another individual named Apple Ruwan has also been implicated in the investigation.
Further investigations have revealed that two of Moditha Ratnayake’s family friends were also included in the list of nominal appointments. These individuals supported Keheliya Rambukwella’s election campaign and were promised allowances from the funds credited to their accounts after the election. Each reportedly received Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000.
The Bribery Commission stated that although the suspects did not directly violate existing circulars, they intentionally engaged in corrupt practices by making fictitious appointments for financial gain. The Commission requested that the suspect not be granted bail due to the seriousness of the offense.
Attorney Kanchana Rakwatte, appearing on behalf of Ramith Rambukwella, argued that his client was not involved in the fraudulent activities and requested bail.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Magistrate ordered that Ramith Rambukwella be remanded until June 3. On that date, both the main suspect, Keheliya Rambukwella, and his son are scheduled to be produced before the court. A separate case is also ongoing under the Money Laundering Act in relation to this matter.
