Basil further remanded till May 27

Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and three other officials, who were arrested on charges of misappropriation of Divi Neguma funds, have been further remanded until May 27 by the Kaduwala Magistrate’s Court.

Former Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilaka, former Director General of the Divineguma Department, R.R.K. Ranawaka and Divi Neguma Regional Director Bandula Thilakasiri were also remanded.

Rajapaksa and the other senior ministry officials were arrested by the police on April 22 in connection with a complaint alleging financial fraud in the Divi Neguma Department, which came under the purview of the Economic Development Minister.

Rajapaksa, who left the country for the US on 11 January following the defeat of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the January Presidential Election, returned to the island on April 21.

Rajapaksa was being treated at the Colombo National Hospital, however was transferred to the hospital’s Cardiology Unit yesterday, following a minor chest pain.