CIABOC obstruction case: Doctor’s daughter pleads not guilty!!

The daughter of specialist neurosurgeon Dr. Maheshi Wijerathne of the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, who is charged with verbally abusing and threatening officers of the Bribery Commission and obstructing them in the discharge of their duties, pleaded not guilty before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today.

The suspect, Hemali Wijerathne, who is the daughter of Dr. Maheshi Wijerathne, an alleged suspect in a corruption case involving the sale of neurosurgical equipment at inflated prices to in-ward patients of the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital without following government procurement procedures, maintained her innocence with regard to the charges.

As the suspect pleaded not guilty, the Chief Magistrate fixed the case for trial and issued summons on witnesses to appear before court on May 05.

This complaint was filed by CIABOC under charges of threatening its officers and obstructing official duties, alleging that on or about July 07, 2025 or a date close thereto, the suspect threatened CIABOC officers in front of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, at a time when her mother had been remanded by court.

Appearing on behalf of the suspect, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma informed court that the suspect was ready to face trial and requested permission for her to travel overseas in a manner that would not disrupt her educational activities. Counsel assured court that the suspect would appear before court on future dates.

Counsel further submitted that the request was made as the suspect was required to travel to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education at a university.

After considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate granted permission for the suspect to travel overseas for educational purposes.

The Chief Magistrate further ordered that summons already issued on the prosecution witnesses remain in force and directed that the trial of the complaint would commence on May 05.