Proceedings before the Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday (22) revealed significant inconsistencies in the medical reports submitted on behalf of Basil Rajapaksa, who has not appeared in court for more than a year in connection with a case relating to the alleged purchase of land in Matara using illicit funds.
Rajapaksa, Ayoma Galappaththi (his wife’s sister), her husband Tissa Galapathi, and Muditha Jayakudi are named as suspects in the case. Although their bail guarantors were present, neither Rajapaksa nor Galappaththi appeared in court. Rajapaksa last attended proceedings in September 2024, and his continued absence has delayed the case, the AG’s Department noted.
Presidential Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for Basil Rajapaksa, submitted several medical reports to court.
Deputy Solicitor General Lagmini Girihagama, representing the Attorney General, drew attention to contradictions in the suspect’s claimed medical condition.
“At a previous hearing, medical documents stated that Basil Rajapaksa had suffered a sudden fall from a chair, resulting in a neurological issue affecting his head and neck, though X-ray reports confirmed there was no bone fracture. However, the reports produced yesterday by the same doctor, George D. N., stated that Rajapaksa is suffering from left-sided sciatica and numbness.”
The Deputy Solicitor General noted that the letterheads on the two reports appeared different at first glance, despite being issued by the same doctor, and that the new documentation merely listed symptoms and advised against air travel, without providing any medical explanation or details of medication.
The court was also informed that although the doctor had advised against air travel in a recommendation reportedly issued in September 2025, Basil Rajapaksa had booked airline tickets to travel to Sri Lanka between early November and the 21st, before cancelling them in October. An airline pre-examination form submitted to court further indicated that Rajapaksa had stated he was able to travel normally with the assistance of another person and did not require a special seat, a bed, or oxygen on board.
Considering the concerns raised, the Deputy Solicitor General requested the court to reject the medical reports as unacceptable. Magistrate Chathura Dissanayake ordered Rajapaksa’s legal representatives to submit a comprehensive medical report at the next hearing, warning that failure to do so may lead to the confiscation of the suspect’s bail money. The Magistrate also instructed the sureties to ensure Rajapaksa is produced in court.
The case is scheduled to be taken up again in 22 May 2026.
