Daijiworld Media Network – Colombo
Colombo, Aug 19: Sri Lankan authorities have arrested former minister Keheliya Rambukwella in two separate cases involving alleged corruption and interference in a criminal investigation, the country’s anti-graft commission said.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested Rambukwella on Tuesday in connection with the two cases. He was taken into custody at around 11.30 am and 1.15 pm, respectively.
One case relates to the alleged recruitment of six employees to the state-owned Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation beyond its approved staff strength when Rambukwella was serving as the mass media minister.
The second case concerns alleged interference in an investigation into the theft of a historically significant Sandakada Pahana, or moonstone, from the palace of the last Sinhala king of the Kandyan Kingdom, Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasingha.
Following his arrest, the Colombo Chief Magistrate granted Rambukwella bail in both cases. He was released on two surety bails of LKR 500,000 each.
Rambukwella has previously faced arrests in several other cases.
In February 2024, he was arrested over allegations concerning the purchase of substandard medicines using an Indian credit line during his tenure as health minister.
He was arrested again in May 2025 over alleged illegal recruitment of ministry staff and causing financial losses to the state. In June 2025, he was arrested in a separate case involving alleged money laundering and undeclared assets.
The latest arrests are part of Sri Lanka’s ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and misuse of public office.