Alleged use of SPC funds to pay Keheliya’s mobile phone bill Keheliya raises objections against corruption case

• For allegedly causing an unlawful loss of Rs.230,984 to the government\
• Prosecution directed to file their written submissions on September 20

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday filed objections against the corruption case against him filed by the Bribery Commission.

 The Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had filed this corruption case against Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and former State Printing Corporation (SPC) Chairman Jayampathi Bandara Heenkenda for allegedly causing an unlawful loss of Rs.230,984 to the government after paying Minister’s one month mobile phone bill using SPC funds while functioning as the Mass Media Minister in 2012.

When the matter came up before Colombo High Court Judge Damith Thotawatte, the defence filed written submissions under sections 2 and 3 of the Bribery Act. The prosecution was directed to file their written submissions on September 20.

The Bribery Commission alleged that Minister Rambukwella had induced the former CPC chairman to pay his mobile phone bill from March 15, 2012, to April 14, 2012, causing an unlawful loss to the government, while serving as the Mass Media Minister.

The Bribery Commission had named former (SPC Chairman) Jayampathi Bandara Heenkenda as an accused for aiding and abetting to commit the offence. President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa appeared for the defence.       

• The Bribery Commission had named former (SPC Chairman) Jayampathi Bandara Heenkenda as an accused for aiding and abetting to commit the offence