Former Sri Lankan State Minister Lohan Ratwatte and his wife Shashi Prabha Ratwatte have been remanded until November 18 after being presented before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court. The couple’s detention follows investigations into an illegally assembled luxury vehicle found in a residence connected to Mrs. Ratwatte on Mirihana, Embuldeniya Hall Road.
The vehicle, found without license plates, was initially brought to police attention on October 30. During subsequent investigations, Mirihana Police discovered that it had been illegally assembled, raising legal questions around its registration and usage. Following his arrest in Katugastota on October 30, Lohan Ratwatte was remanded and presented in court on November 7, where the magistrate decided to extend his custody along with his wife, who had also appeared in court after receiving a notice via WhatsApp on November 4.
This incident brings further attention to the legal accountability of prominent figures in Sri Lanka. The Ratwattes’ arrest has sparked interest in public transparency and accountability, especially given Ratwatte’s previous government role. As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to clarify the origins of the vehicle and the extent of any legal violations related to its assembly and registration.