Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s Land Deal Case Progresses in Colombo High Court
Colombo witnessed significant developments in the money laundering case against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the Attorney General’s Department informed the High Court that prosecution evidence may conclude in the next hearing. The case centers around allegations that Rajapaksa unlawfully acquired five land parcels valued at over Rs. 73 million, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Key Testimonies Emerge
During the latest court proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara directed the recording of evidence before Judge Udesh Ranatunga. Prosecution witness Irene Silva confirmed that she sold property located at No. 163/2, Galle Road, Dehiwala, to Yoshitha. In her testimony, she detailed the negotiations and the payment structure, stating, “Mr. Yoshitha told me that he would pay Rs. 3.32 million for my share of the property.”
Another witness, Gamage Violet Fernando, corroborated Silva’s account. She recounted discussions with Yoshitha regarding the sale price, revealing that he first offered Rs. 2.5 million, which she countered with a demand for Rs. 5 million. Ultimately, she received Rs. 3.3 million, adding that the transaction was processed through Yoshitha’s elder brother, Namal Rajapaksa, and expressed surprise at the mention of an unfamiliar third party, Daisy Forrest.
Allegations of False Testimony
The proceedings took a dramatic turn when prosecution witness Palitha Gamage repeatedly contradicted his prior statements. This inconsistency prompted Deputy Solicitor General Bandara to announce intentions to initiate legal action against Gamage under Section 449 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for providing misleading information. Gamage was subsequently released on a personal bail of Rs. 2 million but is required to appear at all future hearings.
Next Steps in the Case
The case is set to continue on October 2, a date that the prosecution anticipates will see the conclusion of its evidence. With speculation surrounding permission to call additional witnesses, the courtroom atmosphere reflects the high stakes of the proceedings as they unfold. As the case progresses, Yoshitha Rajapaksa remains at the center of a public narrative that intertwines political legacy with questions of legality and accountability.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate complex legal and political terrain, the outcomes of trials like this one will likely resonate beyond the courtroom, influencing public trust and the political landscape in the nation.