The Hemali Wijeratne trial begins October 27 over allegations that she threatened and obstructed CIABOC officers during her mother’s case.
he Hemali Wijeratne trial will begin on October 27 over allegations that she threatened and obstructed officials of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption commission.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order today (21). Hemali Wijeratne is the daughter of former Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, known as CIABOC, filed the case against her.
The Magistrate fixed the trial date after considering submissions from officials representing CIABOC when the case came before court.
The proceedings follow Hemali Wijeratne’s decision to plead not guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing.
CIABOC had previously filed a separate case against Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne over alleged financial fraud exceeding Rs. 30 million.
The allegations include selling imported neurosurgical equipment, including EVD and VP shunts, to patients at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital at inflated prices.
CIABOC alleges that the transactions took place outside the Government procurement process.
When Dr. Wijeratne’s case came before court, CIABOC opposed granting her bail. Prosecutors allege that Hemali Wijeratne then became angry over the objection.
She allegedly verbally abused and threatened a CIABOC Assistant Director and an investigating officer. Authorities subsequently filed a separate case accusing her of threatening and obstructing the officials.
After she denied the allegations, the court decided to proceed with a full trial.
The Chief Magistrate therefore ordered officials to call the complaint again on October 27, when the Hemali Wijeratne trial is scheduled to commence.
