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In a major development in Sri Lanka’s ongoing political corruption investigations, Ramith Rambukwella, son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, was remanded until June 3 by order of the Colombo Chief Magistrate. The arrest was made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on serious charges relating to financial misappropriation.

According to CIABOC, Ramith is accused of causing a financial loss of over Rs. 8 million to the Government. This was done through the unauthorised payment of salaries, allowances, and overtime to the Minister’s personal staff during his time as personal secretary to his father. CIABOC alleges that Ramith not only approved these payments unlawfully but also aided and abetted in the process, directly violating public finance regulations.

His remand followed a Court order issued on Tuesday, which allowed authorities to officially name him as a suspect in the broader investigation that also involves his father, former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The charges against the father include three separate bribery and corruption complaints and have similarly led to his remand until June 3.

This latest arrest marks a significant point in the growing scrutiny over the misuse of state funds by political figures and their families. CIABOC is intensifying its investigation, which is part of a broader anti-corruption crackdown being watched closely by the public and media.