August 18, Colombo (LNW): Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been released on bail following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over two separate investigations.
Rambukwella was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today after being taken into custody by CIABOC officers earlier in the day. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama subsequently granted bail in both cases.
One investigation concerns allegations that Rambukwella intervened to obstruct a proper inquiry into the reported disappearance of an ancient archaeological artefact known as a Sandagala, or moonstone, from the archaeological site at Udamaluwa in Kundasale.
In that case, the court ordered the former minister to enter into two personal bail bonds of Rs. 1 million each. The Magistrate also imposed a ban on foreign travel as part of the bail conditions.
The second case centres on the alleged recruitment of six individuals to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation beyond its approved cadre and their subsequent assignment to Rambukwella’s personal ministerial staff during his tenure as Minister of Mass Media.
Investigators allege that the appointments were made despite the authorised quota for his personal staff already being filled. According to the allegations, the additional appointments resulted in a financial loss of approximately Rs. 14.3 million to the Rupavahini Corporation.
With regard to the second investigation, the court granted bail on two further personal bonds of Rs. 5 million each.
The proceedings relate to allegations currently under investigation by CIABOC, and the granting of bail does not amount to a determination of guilt. Investigations into both matters are continuing.
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