COLOMBO — From a Supreme Court travel ban on Keheliya Rambukwella to criminal proceedings involving members of the Rajapaksa family, the final week of October brought significant developments across Sri Lanka’s courts.
Sri Lanka’s courts dealt with a series of politically sensitive prosecutions, constitutional disputes, criminal convictions and corruption investigations during the final week of October 2026, with several proceedings involving former ministers, parliamentarians, senior public officials and other prominent individuals.
Among the most consequential developments were the Supreme Court’s decision to impose overseas travel restrictions on former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and other former health officials, the filing of 24 charges in an Airbus-related case involving MP Namal Rajapaksa, and the issuing of an open arrest warrant for former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.
Separate criminal proceedings resulted in lengthy prison sentences connected to the discovery of explosives at Wanathawilluwa, while investigations continued into a death in police custody, alleged financial misconduct and several other serious offences.
The following review brings together 30 developments reported from courts and investigative proceedings during the week.
Keheliya Travel Ban and Wanathawilluwa Convictions
1. Supreme Court Imposes Travel Restrictions on Keheliya and Former Health Officials
The Supreme Court imposed overseas travel restrictions on former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and three other respondents during proceedings concerning their alleged failure to comply fully with court-ordered compensation payments.
The proceedings arose from a fundamental rights judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, relating to the procurement of substandard medicines.
The Court had previously found that five respondents had violated the constitutional right to equality and equal protection of the law.
The respondents identified in connection with the original judgment included:
- Keheliya Rambukwella, former Minister of Health.
- Dr. Janaka Chandraguptha, former Secretary to the Ministry of Health.
- Dr. Saman Ratnayake, former Director of the Medical Supplies Division.
- Dr. Vijith Gunasekara, former senior official of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.
- Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana, former Director of the Medical Supplies Division.
The subsequent proceedings concerned compliance with compensation orders rather than a fresh determination of the original fundamental rights violations.
The Supreme Court ordered the relevant respondents to be released on bonds and imposed travel restrictions while addressing the outstanding payments.
The action followed proceedings initiated by Transparency International Sri Lanka.
2. Two Defendants Sentenced Over Wanathawilluwa Weapons Cache
The Colombo Special Three-Judge High Court sentenced two defendants to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment each after they pleaded guilty to offences connected with the unlawful possession and stockpiling of weapons and explosives at Lactose Estate, Wanathawilluwa, in Puttalam.
The defendants were identified as Mohamed Ibrahim Sadik Abdulla, also known as Abu Umar, and Mohamadu Naufar Maulavi.
The charges concerned materials discovered during investigations into extremist activity in the area.
The court proceedings formed part of the wider legal response to activities associated with the period preceding the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Fuel Misuse, Passport Proceedings and Presidential Powers
3. North Central Province Fuel Case Adjourned Until December 9
The Colombo High Court postponed further evidence in a corruption case concerning the alleged misuse of public funds for fuel during a three-year period in the North Central Provincial Council.
The allegation concerns fuel valued at approximately Rs. 2.5 million.
The supplied report identifies former Minister S. M. Chandrasena as the former Chief Minister concerned.
However, contemporaneous reporting of the relevant provincial fuel case identifies former North Central Province Chief Minister S. M. Ranjith.
The identity of the accused and precise case details should therefore be checked against the court record before publication.
The matter was listed for December 9 before Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail.
4. Shashi Weerawansa Passport Proceedings Listed for November 11
Proceedings concerning Shashi Weerawansa, also known as Ranasinghe Mudiyanselage Shirja Udayanthi, were listed for November 11.
The matter relates to her conviction over possession of an irregularly obtained diplomatic passport.
She had previously received a two-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs. 100,000.
The subsequent appellate and sentencing proceedings require careful distinction because the conviction, appeal and enforcement of sentence involve separate procedural stages.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama was named in the report concerning the latest listing.
5. Supreme Court Annuls Presidential Pardon Granted Under Ranil Wickremesinghe
The Supreme Court annulled the application of a general presidential pardon granted during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration to a person serving a prison sentence over unpaid maintenance.
The individual, identified as Mohamed Ameen Mohamed Naseem, had reportedly been sentenced to 29 months’ imprisonment after failing to pay maintenance arrears amounting to approximately Rs. 1.74 million.
The pardon had been granted under a general remission announced in September 2024.
In its October 23 ruling, a three-judge Supreme Court bench found that the relevant remission violated the fundamental right to equality and equal protection of the law guaranteed by Article 12(1) of the Constitution.
The decision highlights the constitutional limitations governing the exercise of executive clemency.
Religious Protests, Diana Gamage and the Airbus Investigation
6. Police Investigate Statements Attributed to Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero
Kurunduwatta Police informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that an investigation had commenced following a complaint about statements attributed to Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero.
The complaint reportedly arose from remarks made during a satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park demanding the release of imprisoned Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero.
Police said the complaint had been submitted by Jagath Basnayake, identified as an organiser attached to the National People’s Power office in Pelawatta.
The complainant alleged that the remarks were false and capable of misleading the public or undermining public confidence.
Those assertions remain allegations under investigation.
The initiation of an investigation does not establish that the monk committed an offence.
7. Court Recalls Warrant Issued for Diana Gamage
The High Court recalled a warrant previously issued for former State Minister Diana Gamage.
The source report does not provide sufficient information to establish the precise grounds on which the warrant was recalled or the next procedural step.
Those details should be confirmed against the relevant court record.
8. Namal Rajapaksa Remanded as Airbus Case Moves to Trial-at-Bar
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered MP Namal Rajapaksa to remain in remand custody pending his production before the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.
The order followed confirmation that indictments had been filed against Rajapaksa and three other defendants in connection with allegations arising from the Airbus aircraft procurement transaction.
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara informed the Magistrate’s Court that the Chief Justice had approved the appointment of a Permanent Trial-at-Bar.
The prosecution informed court that the indictment contained 24 charges and named 59 witnesses.
The allegations concern an Airbus-related transaction involving SriLankan Airlines.
President’s Counsel Shavendra Fernando, appearing for Rajapaksa, argued that continued detention was unnecessary once investigations had concluded.
“My Lord, if the investigations are concluded, there is no need to remand the suspect further. I request that the suspect be released on any bail condition.”
President’s Counsel Ali Sabry also referred to the presumption of innocence.
The Magistrate declined to grant bail, explaining that the matter had moved to the High Court following the filing of indictments.
“I have no power to issue a bail order since indictments have been filed in this court. Therefore, produce the suspect before the Permanent Three-Judge High Court tomorrow and inform this court on the 30th. I order that he be kept in remand custody until he is produced before the High Court tomorrow.”
The proceedings were subsequently taken up before the Permanent Trial-at-Bar.
Rajapaksa has not been convicted of the charges arising from this prosecution.
Basil Rajapaksa Warrant and Further Remand Orders
9. Matara Court Issues Open Warrant for Basil Rajapaksa
The Matara Magistrate’s Court issued an open warrant for the arrest of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.
The order relates to an investigation involving the acquisition of property at Brown’s Hill in Matara.
The matter concerns questions raised during an investigation into the source of funds associated with the property transaction.
An arrest warrant is a procedural court order and does not constitute a finding of guilt.
10. Pillayan Further Remanded in Eastern Province Murder Investigation
The Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court ordered the continued remand of former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as Pillayan, and another suspect.
The proceedings concern investigations into the shooting deaths of five people in the Kal Adi, Kattankudy and Kannankuda areas of the Eastern Province.
The suspects were ordered to remain in remand custody until November 10.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
11. Namal Rajapaksa’s Airbus Bail Application Delayed
The Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar ordered that Namal Rajapaksa be produced before the court again on November 19.
The order followed procedural difficulties affecting the consideration of his bail request.
According to the proceedings, the complainant was absent, and the original files relating to the Magistrate’s Court proceedings had not been properly submitted.
Notice was issued requiring the relevant complainant and the Registrar of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court to appear on the next date.
The development delayed consideration of the bail application.
The filing of indictments did not itself establish the allegations against Rajapaksa.
Wanathawilluwa Training Camp and the Krish Case
12. ‘Gafoor Mama’ Receives 12-Year Sentence
The Colombo Special Three-Judge High Court sentenced Mohamed Sarifu Adam Lebbe, also known as Gafoor Mama, to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to charges connected with activities at Lactose Estate in Wanathawilluwa.
The charges concerned the operation of an alleged terrorist training camp between October 1, 2018, and January 16, 2019, and the possession or stockpiling of materials associated with explosives.
The proceedings also referred to a firearm and 12 live rounds allegedly connected to activities involving Zahran Hashim and Mohamed Hasthun.
The offences related to the period preceding the Easter Sunday attacks.
The sentence followed the defendant’s guilty plea.
13. Krish Case Bail Matter Scheduled for November 3
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama fixed November 3 for consideration of a bail matter concerning Namal Rajapaksa in the separate Krish development investigation.
President’s Counsel Ali Sabry made submissions through a motion seeking consideration of bail.
The Krish proceedings are distinct from the Airbus prosecution and must be treated separately when reporting court orders or custody status.
14. Two Suspects Remanded Over Kavantissa Elephant Shooting
The Mahawa Magistrate’s Court ordered two suspects to remain in remand custody until November 11 in connection with the shooting of the elephant known as Kavantissa.
The order followed their production before court.
Both individuals remain suspects, and the allegations have not been established through a conviction.
15. Upcoming Hearings on the Court Calendar
Several matters were scheduled for November and early 2027.
The dates reported include:
- November 3: Consideration of Namal Rajapaksa’s bail application in the Krish case.
- November 4: Consideration of a request by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to lift an overseas travel restriction.
- November 11: Scheduled sentencing proceedings concerning Johnston Fernando.
- November 11: Further proceedings concerning Sugishwara, who remained in remand custody.
- November 19: Next listing of Namal Rajapaksa’s Airbus case before the Permanent Trial-at-Bar.
- November 23: Proceedings involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Karannagoda.
These are scheduled dates reported in the source material. Any subsequent changes should be checked before publication.
Fraud Allegations, Murder Investigations and Bail Decisions
16. Umair Musammil Released on Bail
Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva granted bail to Umair Musammil, son of former Colombo Mayor A. J. M. Musammil.
He had been arrested by the Fraud Investigation Bureau over an allegation involving Rs. 590,000.
According to the complaint, the money was obtained on the representation that a jeep would be provided, but the transaction was not completed and the funds were not returned.
The court ordered his release on two personal bonds of Rs. 250,000 each.
The allegation remains subject to judicial proceedings.
17. Suspect Remanded in Kajja Triple-Murder Investigation
A woman identified as Anusha Lakmali, also known as Achini, was ordered to remain in remand custody until November 4.
The proceedings concern the killings of Arun Vidhanagamage, known as Kajja, and his two children.
The woman’s continued detention relates to the ongoing investigation.
She has not been convicted of the alleged offences.
18. Udaya Gammanpila Challenges Order Affecting Gnanasara Protest
Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila filed a writ application before the Court of Appeal challenging an order issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court concerning a satyagraha held near Viharamahadevi Park.
The demonstration sought the release of imprisoned Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero.
Gammanpila requested judicial intervention to annul the Magistrate’s Court order.
The respondents named in the petition included:
- The Officer-in-Charge of Kurunduwatta Police.
- The Inspector General of Police.
- The Attorney General.
- The Colombo Magistrate.
The Court of Appeal proceedings concern the legality of the challenged order.
19. Former National Youth Services Council Chairman Granted Bail
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama granted bail to former National Youth Services Council Chairman and attorney Lalith Pium Perera.
Perera had been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in connection with a corruption allegation.
He was released on two personal bonds of Rs. 100,000 each.
The Magistrate also imposed an overseas travel restriction.
The case remains pending.
20. NR Consultancy Money-Laundering Case Fixed for February 11
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court scheduled further proceedings in the NR Consultancy investigation for February 11, 2027.
Four individuals, including MP Namal Rajapaksa, are named in the proceedings.
The allegation concerns the investment of Rs. 15 million said by investigators to have originated from unlawful activity.
The case has been brought under legislation governing the prevention of money laundering.
The allegations have not been established by a conviction.
21. Bail Refused for ‘Harak Kata’ and Four Other Defendants
Colombo High Court Judge Buddika C. Ragala refused bail applications made on behalf of five defendants, including Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, also known as Harak Kata.
The proceedings concern allegations of a conspiracy to facilitate an escape from custody while Wickramaratne was being held by the Criminal Investigation Department.
The refusal of bail does not determine the defendants’ guilt.
The criminal proceedings remain subject to further judicial consideration.
Serious Criminal Sentences and Custodial Investigations
22. Life Sentence Imposed in Heroin Trafficking Case
Colombo High Court Judge Buddika C. Ragala imposed a life sentence on a defendant convicted following a lengthy trial.
The conviction concerned possession and trafficking of 24 grams of heroin.
The court imposed the sentence after finding the prosecution’s case proved.
23. Analyst Reports Still Outstanding in Negombo Prison Deaths Investigation
Investigators informed the Negombo Magistrate’s Court that reports from the Government Analyst concerning evidence in the Negombo Prison violence investigation had not yet been received.
The violence occurred on July 5 and 6, 2026, and resulted in 32 deaths.
Those killed included 10 prison officers and 22 inmates.
The Criminal Investigation Department reportedly informed court for a fifth time that the requested forensic reports remained outstanding.
Negombo Chief Magistrate Shilani Perera directed investigators to follow up with the Government Analyst’s Department and submit a reminder concerning the reports.
The deaths and the subsequent investigation have also attracted scrutiny from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.
The absence of forensic reports remains relevant to the progress of the criminal investigation.
24. Homagama Police Crimes Officer Remanded Over Custodial Death
The Homagama Magistrate’s Court remanded the former Officer-in-Charge of the Crimes Division of Homagama Police until November 12.
The order concerns an investigation into the death of a young man following his arrest and detention.
Police identified the deceased as 29-year-old Ishara Harsha Kumara.
His family has alleged that he was assaulted while in police custody.
Police have provided a separate account of his medical condition and the circumstances preceding his death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no final determination of criminal responsibility has been made.
25. Excise Officer Sentenced for Bribery
Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail sentenced an Excise Department officer convicted on six charges involving the solicitation and acceptance of bribes.
The case arose from allegations that the officer demanded Rs. 600,000 from the wife of a French national who had been arrested.
The prosecution alleged that the officer sought the payment in exchange for refraining from filing charges or pursuing legal action concerning suspected narcotics offences.
The court found that Rs. 320,000 had been obtained as a bribe.
The sentences imposed across the six counts amounted to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment.
However, the court directed that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective imprisonment period of 10 years.
LAUGFS Gas, Bogollagama and Rajapaksa-Linked Proceedings
26. Consumer Affairs Authority Files Case Against LAUGFS Gas
The Consumer Affairs Authority filed legal proceedings against LAUGFS Gas PLC over an alleged failure to maintain a continuous supply of domestic gas.
The case was filed on October 29 before Colombo Additional Magistrate Darshima Premaratne.
The Authority alleged a violation of Direction No. 86, issued under the relevant consumer protection framework.
The court issued summons requiring representatives of the company to appear on November 11.
The allegations remain to be considered by the court.
27. Rohitha Bogollagama Bail Order Fixed for November 6
The Colombo High Court scheduled November 6 for the delivery of an order on a bail application concerning former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.
Bogollagama had been remanded in connection with proceedings arising from his alleged failure to appear for trial despite previously being released on bail.
The underlying case concerns a corruption allegation.
Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela was reported to be hearing the matter.
28. Rakhitha Rajapaksa Bail Revision Applications to Be Heard in February
Colombo High Court Judge Lal Bandara Ranasinghe fixed February 9, 2027, for consideration of three revision applications filed by the Bribery Commission.
The applications seek to overturn bail previously granted to attorney Rakhitha Rajapaksa and two other individuals.
The underlying case concerns allegations that Rs. 120 million was solicited or obtained from the wife of a person described as an organised criminal in exchange for facilitating benefits for her husband.
The court directed the respondents to file objections by November 14 and the petitioners to submit their responses by November 28.
The applications concern bail decisions, and the underlying criminal allegations remain unresolved.
29. Yoshitha Rajapaksa Land Case Adjourned Until November 12
Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga adjourned further evidence in a money-laundering prosecution involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa until November 12.
The Attorney General alleges that Rajapaksa committed an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with the acquisition of five plots of land in Dehiwala and Ratmalana.
The value of the transactions has been reported as exceeding Rs. 73 million.
The source copy contains an inconsistent rupee conversion, describing the amount as Rs. 730 lakh while also stating Rs. 730 million.
Contemporaneous reporting identifies the figure as approximately Rs. 73 million.
The proceedings remain ongoing, and the allegations have not been established by a conviction.
30. Bank Accounts and Luxury Vehicles Linked to Rakhitha Rajapaksa Frozen
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has reportedly taken steps to freeze four bank accounts and several luxury vehicles associated with attorney Rakhitha Rajapaksa.
Rajapaksa is the son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
According to the source report, the action was taken under the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 5 of 2025.
Such restrictions are intended to preserve assets while relevant legal proceedings or investigations continue.
The freezing of property does not itself constitute a finding that the assets are proceeds of crime or that their owner is guilty of an offence.
A Week That Tested the Reach of Sri Lanka’s Courts
The week’s proceedings demonstrate the breadth of matters currently passing through Sri Lanka’s judicial system.
Some resulted in convictions and substantial prison sentences. Others concerned bail, constitutional rights, asset restrictions, arrest warrants or the next stages of criminal investigations.
The distinction matters.
A conviction establishes criminal responsibility according to the court’s findings, subject to any available appeal.
An indictment, arrest or remand order does not.
For cases involving politicians and other prominent public figures, accurate reporting requires particular care to distinguish established judicial findings from allegations that remain to be proved.
Several significant hearings are scheduled for November, including further proceedings in the Airbus and Krish cases, the Yoshitha Rajapaksa money-laundering prosecution and matters involving other former public officials.
Their outcomes will depend on the evidence presented, the applicable law and the decisions of the courts.
