A businessman remanded in custody told the Colombo Chief Magistrate on Friday that he is prepared to give a confidential statement regarding alleged illicit assets worth Rs. 740 million said to belong to a relative of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The suspect informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama that he had retained Rs. 30 million from the alleged assets in question. The businessman, who is from Ratnapura, is currently being held in remand custody.

Addressing the suspect, the Chief Magistrate stressed that any confidential statement must be given voluntarily and after careful consideration.

The suspect was identified in court as Gabbela Mohottalalage Nihal Sisira Kumara, who is expected to formally record the confidential statement.

Court sources said the statement is scheduled to be recorded today in the Chief Magistrate’s official chambers.