News Today: Supreme Court dismisses Keheliya Rambukwella family’s writ applications under the Anti-Corruption Act, affirming the Bribery Commission’s freezing orders.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka yesterday dismissed three writ applications filed by the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The applications, lodged by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, sought to challenge several freezing orders issued by the Bribery Commission under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.

The petitioners — Kusum Priyadharshini Epa Weihana (wife), Chandula Ramali Rambukwella (daughter), and Isuru Pulasthi Bandara Polgasdeniya (son-in-law) — argued that the freezing orders were illegal and made ex parte, without giving them a chance to be heard. The frozen assets included a Rs. 30 million fixed deposit belonging to Rambukwella’s wife, a Rs. 14.125 million fixed deposit belonging to his son-in-law, and a life insurance policy valued at Rs. 8 million.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, K. Priyantha Fernando, and Sampath B. Abayakoon heard the matter. The Court, however, held that the petitioners failed to establish a prima facie case to justify the issuance of notice. Consequently, all three writ applications were dismissed in limine.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Janak de Silva emphasized that freezing orders serve as investigative tools intended to support ongoing anti-corruption investigations. He noted that such orders are temporary measures designed to prevent the removal or disposal of assets that may later be subject to forfeiture. The Court underscored that these measures are necessary to ensure effective investigations and maintain the integrity of proceedings under the Anti-Corruption Act.

This decision reaffirms the Supreme Court’s stance on upholding anti-corruption mechanisms, strengthening Sri Lanka’s legal framework against financial misconduct.