The Colombo High Court today further extended its order to freeze for three months 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The value of the frozen fixed deposit accounts and insurance policies has been estimated at Rs. 93.125 million. The Colombo High Court made this order pursuant to a request by the Bribery Commission. This order will be effective till April 2, 2025.

Accordingly, 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to Keheliya’s spouse, three daughters and son-in-law have been frozen for another period of three months.

Former Health Minister Rambukwella is currently out on bail in connection with the alleged purchase of substandard immunoglobulin injections.

This freezing order was obtained by the Bribery Commission in terms of Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, as part of the investigations being conducted under Section 42, where the spouse, family members or any other persons are also subject to scrutiny.

Exams Chief Amith Jayasundara yesterday said the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination paper marking meeting had been scheduled for tomorrow. The marking process is expected to conclude within 40 days, with the aim of completing it by the first week of February.

The Constitutional Council (CC) has approved the appointments of High Court Judges K.M. Sarath Dissanayake and Pradeep Hettiarachchi to the Court of Appeal. The nominations were submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the CC's approval. Judges Dissanayake and Hettiarachchi, the two most senior serving High Court judges, are set to take their oaths as Court of Appeal Judges next week.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujeebur Rahuman has appealed to President Anura Dissanayake to reconsider the government’s decision to deport 103 Rohingya refugees, including over 40 children, who were rescued off the Mullaitivu coast on December 19.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva has criticized the government for its contradictory stance on withholding tax (WHT) policies. In a tweet, de Silva questioned why the National People’s Power (NPP) policy document, endorsed by President Anura Dissanayake, did not mention plans to increase WHT on interest.

It is a known secret in the state bureaucracy circles that the transfer process of government employees is highly politicised. It is said that those who encounter problems in receiving transfer postings near their hometowns or resist transfers outside the home turf or their preferred locations often use political influences ‘at whatever cost.’

In the wake of reports on a virus spreading in China, the Ministry of Health has announced that it is closely monitoring the situation.

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning to provide a statement regarding remarks he had made during a television programme on March 3, 2022.

Former President and UNP leader Ranil Wickremeisinghe has appointed Thalatha Athukorala as the new party General Secretary, party sources said. An official announcement is expected to be made shortly.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning to record a statement.

The office of the Foreign Minister has issued a statement on delays in appointing High Commissioners and Ambassadors to overseas missions, citing procedural and diplomatic requirements.