Yoshitha Denies Charges in Money Laundering Case

COLOMBO (News1st): The amended indictment sheet in a money laundering case filed over undisclosed bank deposits exceeding Rs. 59 million was read to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, today.

The case was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Rashmi Singappuli.

Appearing on behalf of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis informed the court that the defendant pleads not guilty to the charges.

Accordingly, the High Court ordered the pre-trial conference to be held on December 02.

Meanwhile, the court ordered the discharge of Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s grandmother, Daisy Forest, from the case.

This decision was made in accordance with a previous recommendation issued by a specialist medical board led by the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer in relation to another case, which stated that she is not in a suitable mental condition to participate in court proceedings.

The case was filed against the defendants for committing offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by depositing over Rs. 59 million the origin of which could not be proven into fixed deposit accounts in three private banks between March 31, 2009, and December 12, 2013.