Colombo High Court yesterday (25 September) heard evidence in the case filed by the Bribery Commission against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and former Chairman of the State Printing Corporation (SPC) Jayampathi Heenkenda. The case concerns the payment of Rambukwella’s personal mobile phone bill—amounting to Rs. 230,945.45—for the period between 15 March and 17 April 2012 using SPC funds.

Testifying as the second witness, the former Administrative and Human Resources Manager of the SPC gave evidence under the direction of CIABOC Deputy Director General Anuradha Siriwardena. The witness stated that Keheliya Rambukwella’s then Private Secretary, retired Brigadier Jayawardena, had requested that the SPC pay the minister’s personal mobile bill.

The witness further told court that this request had been referred to him by the first accused, Jayampathi Heenkenda, who was SPC Chairman at the time. Although he initially informed Heenkenda that SPC funds could not be used to settle such bills, disagreements with senior officials later made it difficult for him to continue carrying out his duties. Consequently, with the board’s approval, the bill was eventually settled.

President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing for Keheliya Rambukwella, and Senior Counsel Ranjith Heellage, appearing for Heenkenda, cross-examined the witness extensively and produced several documents to court.

High Court Judge M.M. Mohamed Mihail ordered that the next hearing be held on 9 November and issued summons for the first witness to appear in court on that date.

Responding to further questions by CIABOC’s Deputy Director General, the witness added that SPC board approval for the payment had only been granted three months after the bill had been settled.