Daisy Forrest, the grandmother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been named as a suspect in a money laundering case involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of the former President.
The decision to include her as a suspect was made following instructions from the Attorney General. Police Media Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhi Manathunga announced at a press conference on February 11 that Daisy Forrest will be named as a suspect, along with Yoshitha Rajapaksa, before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. He confirmed that the case would proceed under money laundering charges.
Court Rejects CID Request
The case was taken up before Kaduwela Magistrate Chanika Wijebandara on February 11, where the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requested to either arrest Daisy Forrest or issue a summons.
However, the magistrate rejected the CID’s request, also denying a travel ban on Daisy Forrest.
During the hearing, the magistrate inquired whether the CID had obtained a statement from Daisy Forrest, to which the investigating officers admitted they had not. Consequently, the magistrate ordered them to record her statement, complete the investigation, and submit a report in the coming days.
Who is Daisy Forrest?
Daisy Forrest, born in 1928, is 96 years old. She is the grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa and has worked at Suleiman Hospital as well as served as a teacher and hostel warden at St. Thomas’ College.
What Are the Charges?
According to the Police Media Spokesperson, an investigation into Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s finances has been ongoing since 2016, focusing on over Rs. 59 million found in his bank accounts.
“He was unable to provide a reasonable explanation as to how he earned the money,” said SSP Buddhi Manathunga.
The investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, revealed that this money was placed in fixed deposits and bank accounts held jointly with Daisy Forrest.
“As a result, further legal action will be taken against her in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code,” Manathunga added.
A Series of Investigations Under the Money Laundering Act
There are three ongoing investigations against Yoshitha Rajapaksa under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act:
- A case before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court regarding the purchase of a Rs. 50 million house in Dehiwala.
- A case before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court regarding his investment in CSN (Carlton Sports Network).
- An investigation into his purchase of a 31.5-perch plot of land with a house on Sirimal Mawatha, Ratmalana, for Rs. 350 million ian 2012.
On January 27, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court granted Yoshitha Rajapaksa bail in the Ratmalana land case. He was released on two surety bonds of Rs. 5 million each, but the court imposed a travel ban and instructed the Controller of Immigration and Emigration to enforce it.
What Happened at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court Earlier?
During previous hearings, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris stated that the purchase of the Ratmalana property ian 2012 was part of a series of questionable financial transactions under investigation.
“A woman named Daisy Forrest appears on the deed for the property, and investigations have revealed that she is the grandmother of the suspect, Yoshitha Rajapaksa,” Peiris told the court.
He further explained that Daisay Forrest’s financial history did not indicate the ability to purchase such a high-value property.
“She initially received a salary of only Rs. 250 to 300 per month, having worked at Suleiman Hospital and St. Thomas’ College. She did not have the financial means to buy such a large property. In her first police statement, she said she did not own aany property. Later, she claimed that Yoshitha Rajapaksa purchased the land.”
Peiris also pointed out inconsistencies in her subseaquent statements, stating:
“She later claimed that she bought the land with money she received after selling a bag of gems given to her by a Muslim. However, the deed for the property was later found in the possession of a person named Palitha Gamage, who stated that he received it from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.”
The Attorney General’s Department believes that while the land is in Daisy Forrest’s name, it is actually controlled by another party, further raising concerns about financial misrepresentation and money laundering.
Suspicious Financial Transactions and Money Laundering Allegations
The court was presented with aevidence questioning the legitimacy of Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s financial transactions.
“The suspect joined the Sri Lanka Navy as a Lieutenant in 2006 and was suspended from duty in 2016. His monthly salary was Rs. 73,000, which was directly credited to his account and remained untouched.
Under these circumstances, how was he able to purchase properties worth hundreds of millions of rupees? It is clear that this was a money laundering operation,” Additional Solicitor General Peiris argued.
What Happens Next?
With ongoing investigations, Sri Lankan authorities are now intensifying their probe into the financial dealings of the Rajapaksa family.
The inclusion of 96-year-old Daisy Forrest as a suspect has sparked widespread debate, with some questioning the decision to involve an elderly woman, while others insist that accountability must apply to everyone, regardless of age or status.
The case is set to continue, with further legal action anticipated in the coming weeks.
