Rumy Jauffer Sent to Remand Over Rs. 7.8 Mn Misuse Allegations

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Rumy Jauffer, has been remanded until the 17th of this month by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today in connection with a high-profile case involving the alleged misuse of public funds.

The order was issued in relation to allegations that in 2014, a sum of Rs. 7.8 million belonging to the Tourism Promotion Bureau had been used for campaign activities linked to the Uva Provincial Council election.

In connection with the same incident, warrants had earlier been issued against three suspects, including former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Suspect Rumy Jauffer, along with the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Bhashwara Gunaratne, surrendered to court today through their legal representatives.

During proceedings, the court ordered that former Chairman Bhashwara Gunaratne be released on bail under strict conditions, including a cash bail of Rs. 100,000 and two personal sureties of Rs. 10 million each.

The Magistrate further directed that suspect Basil Rajapaksa be arrested and produced before court.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena had originally issued warrants for the arrest of the suspects on May 29, while also imposing a foreign travel ban on them on the same day.