Indictments will be filed in the High Court against Piumi Hansamali and T.A.C. Viranjith Thambugala, Chairman of Aura Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, over serious allegations of tax evasion, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) informed the Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court on 31 July.
Representing the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Senior State Counsel Dinesh Perera said that investigative reports on both individuals have been handed over to the Attorney General, and the Department expects to initiate High Court proceedings following the review.
Piumi Hansamali is alleged to have evaded Rs 194 million in personal income tax for 2022 and 2023. She also reportedly failed to pay a further Rs 95 million in taxes linked to income from a skin-whitening cream business.
Meanwhile, Thambugala faces similar accusations, including failure to pay Rs 194 million in personal and other taxes, with the total including applicable penalties and interest.
The IRD maintains that both parties unlawfully withheld payments due to the State, amounting to a misuse of funds.
During the court session, Senior State Counsel Perera submitted a progress report and additional documents outlining violations under Sections 186, 189, and 190 of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017.
The case is expected to be transferred to the Colombo High Court once the Attorney General’s Department finalises its review.
