By Roy Denish
Several Sri Lankan political figures face court proceedings in October and November, including cases involving Rajapaksa family members.
A series of high-profile legal proceedings, corruption cases, and petitions involving prominent political figures, former ministers, and members of their families are scheduled to come before courts across Sri Lanka during October and November 2026.
Rajapaksa Family and Close Associates Face Key Dates
Several legal matters involving members of the Rajapaksa family and their associates are scheduled for pre-trial conferences, hearings, and other court proceedings.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Wasantha Karannagoda:
The Colombo High Court has scheduled a pre-trial conference for October 13, 2026, in a case involving former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda and Yoshitha Rajapaksa relating to allegations concerning training at Britannia Royal Naval College.
Separately, a pre-trial conference in a money-laundering case involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa and his grandmother, Daisy Forrest, has been postponed until November 3.
Basil Rajapaksa:
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court is scheduled to recall a case involving former Minister Basil Rajapaksa on October 14, 2026, relating to the alleged misuse of Rs. 7.8 million in funds connected to the Bureau of Tourism Promotion.
Shashindra Rajapaksa:
On October 8, the Colombo High Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on preliminary objections raised in a corruption case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against three defendants, including former State Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Sugheeswara Bandara:
A trial involving Sugheeswara Bandara, former Private Secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is scheduled for October 7, 2026.
Further evidence relating to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in connection with investigations into the disappearance of Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan is reportedly scheduled for November 27, 2026.
Other Notable Political and Public Property Cases
Wimal and Shashi Weerawansa:
A case involving Shashi Weerawansa, wife of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, concerning allegations relating to a diplomatic passport is scheduled to be recalled before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on October 12, 2026.
Piyankara Jayaratne:
The Colombo High Court is expected to revisit a corruption case pursued by the Bribery Commission against former Minister Piyankara Jayaratne.
Akila Viraj Kariyawasam:
A case involving former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has reportedly been fixed for trial on October 20, 2026.
Chamara Sampath Dissanayake:
The former Provincial Council Chief Minister faces proceedings in two separate matters.
One case, scheduled for November 3, concerns allegations relating to the removal of six fixed deposit accounts, which prosecutors claim caused a Rs. 17.3 million loss to the government.
A separate Colombo High Court hearing is scheduled for November 17 concerning allegations linked to provincial funds and a private bank account.
Ravi Karunanayake and Arjun Aloysius:
The Colombo High Court has scheduled further proceedings in a case involving former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Arjun Aloysius, and other defendants in connection with allegations surrounding the Central Bank bond transactions.
Matara Browns Hill Land Case:
A case before the Matara Magistrate’s Court concerning the purchase of a 1.5-acre property at Browns Hill is scheduled to be recalled on October 14, 2026.
Open warrants issued in connection with continued court absences have reportedly been extended until October 27, 2026.
Parliamentary Eligibility Challenge
Ramanathan Archuna:
A petition seeking to challenge the parliamentary seat held by MP Ramanathan Archuna is scheduled for further consideration before the Court of Appeal on October 12 and 13, 2026.
