Basil further remanded

Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and three other officials, who were arrested on charges of misappropriation of Divi Neguma funds, have been further remanded until June 18 by the Kaduwala Magistrate’s Court.

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.