Former Sri Lankan State Minister Lohan Ratwatte and his wife, Shashi Prabha Ratwatte, remain in the legal spotlight following their remand by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court. Initially detained until November 18, their remand periods were later extended, with Lohan Ratwatte held until December 2 and his wife until November 22. The couple’s arrest stems from an investigation into an illegally assembled luxury vehicle found at a property connected to Mrs. Ratwatte on Mirihana, Embuldeniya Hall Road.
The incident began on October 30, when police discovered the unregistered vehicle, which lacked license plates. Subsequent investigations by the Mirihana Police revealed that the vehicle had been illegally assembled, raising critical questions about its registration and intended use. This discovery led to the arrest of Lohan Ratwatte in Katugastota on October 30. He was presented in court on November 7, where the magistrate ordered an extension of his remand. Shashi Prabha Ratwatte, who was served a court notice via WhatsApp on November 4, appeared alongside her husband and was also ordered to remain in custody.
The case has drawn significant public interest, emphasizing the broader issue of legal accountability among high-profile individuals in Sri Lanka. Given Lohan Ratwatte’s previous position as a state minister, the arrest has fueled demands for transparency and integrity in governance. Authorities are continuing to investigate the origins of the luxury vehicle, focusing on potential legal infractions related to its assembly and registration. The outcome of this case could have substantial implications for public trust and the enforcement of laws affecting powerful figures in the country.
