The Colombo High Court today ordered a new specialist psychiatric assessment for Daisy Forrest, the grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa and a co-accused in the ongoing Rs. 59 million money-laundering case, to determine whether she is mentally fit to stand trial.
High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga issued the directive after reviewing submissions from both defence and prosecution regarding Forrest’s current medical condition.
Defence Cites Dementia and Alzheimer’s
At the previous hearing, President’s Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for Forrest, produced an order issued by the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court on 17 March 2017, which stated that Forrest was suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The defence argued that proceeding with the indictment would therefore be “unreasonable” given her mental state.
The case was taken up today for the prosecution to respond to that position.
Prosecution Calls for Updated Assessment
Additional Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, representing the prosecution, told court that the 2017 medical order did not pertain to the current High Court proceedings and only reflected her condition at that time. He argued that an updated, expert psychiatric evaluation was necessary to establish whether the second accused is currently capable of facing trial.
Judge Grants Request for New Medical Report
After considering submissions from both sides, Judge Ranatunga authorised the request and directed the Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer to arrange a specialist psychiatric examination to assess Forrest’s present mental fitness.
A copy of the order is to be forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Case Continues Pending Medical Findings
The trial will resume after the court receives the new psychiatric report, which will determine whether proceedings against Forrest can lawfully continue.
