Basil Rajapaksa remanded

Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and two other senior ministry officials, who were arrested by the Police FCID over allegations of financial fraud, have been remanded until the 05th of May by the Kaduwela Magistrate. 

Mr Rajapaksa, former Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilaka and former Director General of the Divi Neguma Department R.R.K. Ranawaka were produced at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court this evening. 

They were arrested on charges of misappropriation of funds in the Divi Neguma Department, which came under the purview of the Economic Development Minister. 

The Kaduwela Magistrate, however, granted permission for Rajapaksa to attend Parliament sessions next week while doctors will also observe his medical condition. 

Earlier today, MP Basil Rajapaksa arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to make a statement at around 11am and had been questioned till around 5.30pm. 

The former SLFP National Organiser, who left the country immediately after the defeat of his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa in the presidential election in January, returned to Colombo on Tuesday in response to summons issued to him to appear before the authorities in connection with the case of misappropriation of funds. 

Since the new government took office, the bribery commission and police have initiated investigations into alleged corruption during the previous administration.