The Matara Magistrate’s Court has postponed proceedings in a high-profile corruption case against former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, after his legal team informed the court that he suffered a medical injury in the United States that prevents him from flying for six months.
According to his attorney, Rajapaksa fell from a chair while in the U.S. and sustained injuries to his neck and nervous system, prompting American doctors to advise him against air travel for the foreseeable future. The development has led to a delay in the case, which involves allegations that he illegally acquired Rs. 50 million to purchase a land plot in the Matara area.
“Your Honor, my client had purchased airline tickets to return to Sri Lanka on May 18 and 19,” the defense lawyer told the court. “However, due to a fall in the U.S., he suffered a neck injury and nerve damage. His doctors have recommended that he avoid flying for at least six months.”
The prosecution, however, disputed the legitimacy of the medical claims. Deputy Solicitor General representing the Attorney General’s Department countered: “These X-ray and medical reports indicate nothing more than a minor neck sprain and some muscle strain likely from poor posture. They state that recovery should take a week or two. Also, these reports are dated March 18. If doctors had advised against flying for six months, why were flights booked for mid-May?”
He further argued that the medical evidence submitted should be considered inadequate, and requested the court to cancel the suspect’s bail due to what he described as evasive behavior.
In response, Basil Rajapaksa’s lawyer strongly defended his client. “Are you trying to paint my client as a thief simply because he failed to appear due to a genuine medical issue?” he asked. “These reports are from American doctors. Not like some of our doctors here. My client has no intention of evading justice and will appear on the next court date.”
After hearing both sides, Matara Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa decided against cancelling bail or issuing a warrant, citing Basil Rajapaksa’s history of compliance with court appearances.
“This case has been ongoing for a considerable time, and the suspect has consistently appeared in court,” the Magistrate ruled. “Therefore, I see no reason to cancel bail or issue a warrant.”
The case has now been rescheduled and will be recalled on November 21, 2025, with Basil Rajapaksa ordered to appear in court on that date. The court’s decision effectively gives the former minister a six-month extension, though scrutiny over the credibility of his medical excuse is likely to persist.
