Hemali Wijeratne, daughter of Dr Maheshi Wijeratne, a consultant neurosurgeon at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, has been remanded until 9 July by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court over allegations of issuing death threats to two officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
According to submissions made in court, the suspect had allegedly threatened a male and female officer of the Commission by saying “I will kill you” (maranawa/මරනවා) after a court hearing concluded on 4 July within the court premises. The OIC of the Keselwatta Police informed court that threatening public officers in this manner at the end of their official duties is an offence punishable under Sections 347 and 486 of the Penal Code.
The suspect is believed to have issued the threat in connection with an ongoing investigation conducted by the Bribery Commission. The OIC further stated that such actions could set a harmful precedent in society. He also informed the court that CCTV footage related to the incident has been obtained, and further investigation is required. Therefore, the police requested the suspect be remanded.
Appearing on behalf of the suspect, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne stated that Hemali Wijerathna is 21 years old and currently pursuing higher education overseas after completing her schooling at an international school. He also informed court that she is not fluent in Sinhala.
Gunaratne claimed that the incident did not involve any threats being made, and that the suspect, who was under severe emotional stress at the time, had actually said “I’ll die” (marenawa/මැරෙනවා) which may have been misunderstood by the Bribery Commission officers as a threat directed at them.
The counsel further told court that upon learning about the incident through media reports, the suspect voluntarily went to Cinnamon Gardens Police and gave a detailed statement. He said that if the incident had caused any distress, she expresses regret and apologises unconditionally.
Gunaratne also emphasised that there was no intent on the part of his client to threaten any officer of the Bribery Commission or the judiciary. He added that she has already sent an email to the Director General of the Commission, explaining the situation and her stance.
The magistrate instructed prison officials to arrange for a mental health assessment of the suspect and submit a report to court.
Hemali Wijerathna was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga today, 7 July, following her arrest by the Keselwatta Police.
Dr Maheshi Wijerathna has been remanded following her arrest over allegations of selling medical equipment worth Rs. 50,000 to patients at an inflated price of Rs. 175,000 through a private company affiliated with her.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga rejected the bail applications filed on behalf of Dr Wijerathna and two other suspects involved in the case. The court ordered that all three suspects be further remanded until 8 July.
