A shocking twist in Sri Lanka’s political underworld: MP Jagath Withana’s son was arrested while driving a luxury jeep allegedly sold by MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s daughter, now wanted for questioning. The jeep, suspected to be illegally imported and fraudulently registered, has triggered a high-stakes investigation involving top cops, customs, and over 24 lawyers.
In a stunning political scandal, the son of Kalutara District Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Jagath Withana has been arrested by the Central Anti-Corruption Task Force (CATF) while driving a luxury jeep allegedly sold by Melanie Abeygunawardena, daughter of SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena. The incident has sparked a wide-scale investigation into vehicle smuggling, registration fraud, and political interference.
The CATF confirmed that the jeep suspected of being illegally imported and fraudulently registered was intercepted in Matugama near an educational institution on Pasquale Road, Nebada, while being driven by Rasika Buddhika Pinnagoda Withana, MP Withana’s son. The jeep, a high-end blue model typically used by senior police officials, bore the registration WP KX 8137.
Initial investigations revealed that Jagath Withana had reportedly purchased the vehicle on October 16, 2024, for Rs. 35 million from Melanie Abeygunawardena’s husband, Dhanush Priyadarshana. However, MP Withana later told authorities he bought the vehicle from Melanie herself for Rs. 45 million. Documents submitted show a payment trail that records the value as Rs. 20 million far below market value raising further suspicions of illegal dealings.
Photographic evidence of the transaction, featuring Melanie Abeygunawardena, was also submitted by MP Withana to the CATF.
Authorities have made multiple unsuccessful attempts to locate and question Melanie Abeygunawardena at her residences in Waskaduwa and Kalutara. Police sources now confirm that she may soon be arrested based on preliminary evidence.
Investigations indicate that the vehicle’s registration involved deliberate manipulation of the Department of Motor Traffic’s data system. The CATF, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Motor Vehicles, is continuing to investigate this high-value fraud.
The arrest was made after the Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasuriya, received a tip-off. The suspect was taken to Mathugama Police Station amid a tense atmosphere, with around 200 supporters of MP Withana reportedly converging on the station, creating a volatile situation.
Despite Withana’s dramatic protest including claims that he would commit suicide if his son was arrested the police moved forward after explaining the legal circumstances. A heated exchange between the MP and police officers ensued, but the arrest was eventually carried out.
Rasika Withana was produced before Mathugama Magistrate Asanka Hettiyawatte and has been remanded until the 1st of the following month. Over 24 lawyers, including a top-level presidential counsel, appeared on behalf of the suspect, indicating the political and legal gravity of the case.
This explosive development underscores the growing public scrutiny of corruption and elite impunity in Sri Lanka, especially involving political families.
