News

Court Suspends Keheliya and Family’s Assets Worth Rs. 97 Million for 3 Months

Published

10 months ago

July 5, 2024

editor

The Colombo High Court has suspended fixed deposits and insurance policies to the tune of Rs. 97 million belonging to former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and fiver of his close relatives for a period of 03 months, Ada Derana reporter said.

This order was issued by Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne this morning (05), after taking into consideration the facts presented by the CIABOC.

The CIABOC has also requested the court to suspend the aforementioned assets of Keheliya and his family members with regard to an ongoing investigation.

Accordingly, the court ordered the relevant assets to be suspended until October 04, 2024, and ordered the CIABOC to report the progress of the investigations to the court on that date.

The former Minister of Health is currently in remand custody in connection with his alleged complicity in the procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) vials.

Against this backdrop, on June 19, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said that it has initiated an investigation following a complaint received against Rambukwella.

The investigation had been launched following a complaint filed by a civilian alleging that two vehicles belonging to the ministry provided to him during his tenure as the Health Minister have not been returned after he resigned from the ministerial position and have been misused.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Rambukwella on 02 February over his alleged complicity in the procurement of substandard IVIG vials.

The arrest came hot on the heels of pressure from civil society activists and health sector trade unionists, who called for the immediate apprehension of the lawmaker.

In October 2023, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) revealed that forged documents were found to have been submitted for Customs clearance to procure a batch of vials containing human immunoglobulin, an antibody produced by blood plasma cells, which later failed the quality tests.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Increased rainy conditions expected today

Published

1 hour ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology says showery conditions are expected to be enhanced in the Southwestern part of the country up to some extent from today (May 12) evening.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Central, Uva and Eastern provinces after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

News

Energy Ministry denies CEB Chairman’s resignation, Says he is on leave

Published

12 hours ago

May 11, 2025

editor

The Media Division of the Ministry of Energy has dismissed media reports claiming the resignation of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, clarifying that he has only taken leave for personal overseas travel.

A senior ministry official stated that Dr. Siyambalapitiya had formally informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake about his temporary leave and denied any resignation.

“There is no truth in the media reports suggesting the resignation of the CEB Chairman,” the official emphasized.

Dr. Siyambalapitiya was appointed as CEB Chairman on September 26, 2023, following the formation of the NPP-led government. The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions on electricity tariff revisions and financial reforms in the power sector.

The CEB has recently been under scrutiny over proposed tariff hikes and compliance with IMF-mandated cost-reflective pricing, with speculation rising over leadership changes.

The ministry’s statement seeks to quell rumors and ensure stability in the institution’s administration.

News

Semini released on bail

Published

12 hours ago

May 11, 2025

editor

Popular actress Semini Iddamalgoda, arrested for failing to appear in court over unpaid Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions linked to her private security company, was granted bail by Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe.

The Welikada Police had taken her into custody after multiple arrest warrants were issued against her. Court records revealed four warrants from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, two from Matara, and one from Tangalle over alleged non-payment of EPF and other employee dues.

Her defense counsel argued that Iddamalgoda, a well-known public figure, had no intention of evading court proceedings. They also stated that some of the pending payments had since been settled, leading the Labour Department to withdraw certain cases.

Magistrate Ilangasinghe granted bail on a surety of Rs. 100,000 and ordered the recall of all outstanding warrants. The court directed the submission of relevant documents by May 28 and requested a progress report on the Colombo cases by May 19.

The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny over employers’ compliance with mandatory EPF contributions, even involving high-profile individuals. Further hearings will determine the resolution of the remaining charges.