Ramith Rambukwella, son of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, has been named a suspect in an investigation into the alleged misuse of approximately Rs. 8 million in public funds from the Ministry of Health. The funds were reportedly used to pay salaries and maintain staff who had not performed any official duties.

The development comes as Keheliya Rambukwella himself remains behind bars. The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Thanuja Lakmali, today (May 20) ordered the former minister to be further remanded until June 3. The ruling followed detailed submissions made by both the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the defence.

Keheliya Rambukwella was arrested earlier in connection with three cases filed by CIABOC and was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials this morning. The charges stem from allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure at the Ministry of Health.