IntelScoops

Judge’s absence delays proceedings in high-profile financial crime case involving former president’s family

By Staff Reporter

Colombo – August 4, 2025

The Colombo High Court today postponed the hearing of the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grandmother Daisy Forest, to October 29, after the presiding judge was unavailable.

When the case was called this morning, both defendants appeared before the court. However, High Court Judge Pradeep Abeyratne, who is overseeing the proceedings, was on judicial leave, resulting in an automatic adjournment.

The case, filed by the Attorney General’s Department, involves serious allegations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, centering around the deposit of Rs. 59 million into fixed deposit accounts at private commercial banks between March 31, 2009, and December 12, 2013.

According to the indictment, the funds are believed to be illegally obtained, and the defendants are facing three separate charges related to the alleged concealment and transfer of unlawfully acquired assets.

Background and Legal Context

This case forms part of a broader series of investigations launched into financial transactions and asset holdings linked to individuals associated with high-level political office during the post-war period in Sri Lanka.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, a former naval officer and media executive, has previously denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the funds were acquired legally. His legal team has yet to comment on the latest postponement.

Court records indicate that the transactions in question were made through three fixed deposit accounts and were not disclosed as required by law.

Next Hearing in October

With today’s adjournment, the matter will now resume in late October, when the court is expected to set a date for further testimony and cross-examinations.

Legal observers note that the delay, while procedural, will add months to an already prolonged judicial process. The original case was filed more than a year ago, and preliminary hearings have since proceeded intermittently.

If found guilty under the Money Laundering Act, the defendants could face financial penalties, asset forfeiture, and imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the charges and judicial findings.

The court reaffirmed that all parties would be notified in writing of the rescheduled hearing date and any further pre-trial motions that may be considered before proceedings resume.