Freezing of Keheliya family members’ Rs.93Mn in fixed deposits extended for 3 months

• Order made following a request by the Bribery Commission

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Colombo High Court yesterday further extended its order to freeze 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella for three months.

The value of the frozen fixed deposit accounts and insurance policies has been estimated at Rs. 93.125 million. Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Tillekaratne made this order pursuant to a request made by the Bribery Commission.

Accordingly, 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to Keheliya’s spouse, three daughters and son-in-law have been frozen for a period of three months.

Former Health Minister Rambukwella is currently held in remand custody in connection with the alleged purchase of substandard immunoglobulin injections.

This freezing order was obtained by the Bribery Commission in terms of Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, as part of the investigations being conducted under Section 42, where the spouse, family members or any other persons are also subject to scrutiny.