By Daisy Forrest Named as Suspect in Money Laundering Case Against Yoshitha Rajapaksa
Daisy Forrest, the aunt of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, has been named as a suspect in an ongoing money laundering investigation, following instructions from the Attorney General. The case was presented before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court on February 11, with police spokesperson Senior DIG Buddhika Manathunga confirming that Forrest has been implicated alongside Yoshitha Rajapaksa.
Court Rejects Premature Arrest Request
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requested that the court arrest Daisy Forrest or issue a warrant against her—even before recording her statement. However, the Magistrate rejected this request, questioning why the police sought her arrest without first obtaining her side of the story. In addition, the Magistrate denied the CID’s appeal to impose a foreign travel ban on her, instead ordering that investigators first record her statement and complete their inquiry before taking further legal action. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to standard legal procedures, which typically require a suspect’s statement prior to any arrest.
Who Is Daisy Forrest?
Daisy Forrest, 96, is the aunt of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Over the years, she has worked in various roles, including at Suleiman Hospital and as a teacher. She has also served as the matron of the St. Thomas’ College hostel.
Charges in the Money Laundering Case
The investigation into Yoshitha Rajapaksa began in 2016, following the discovery of suspicious transactions totaling over LKR 59 million in his bank accounts. Authorities claim that Rajapaksa has not provided a clear explanation for the source of these funds. Investigations revealed that a joint account was set up with Daisy Forrest, and funds were deposited into this account. Consequently, legal action is being pursued against her under the Criminal Procedure Code.
Additional Investigations Against Yoshitha Rajapaksa
There are three ongoing investigations under the Money Laundering Act against Yoshitha Rajapaksa:
Dehiwala Property Purchase: A case involving the purchase of a house worth LKR 500 million, which is being heard before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.
CSN Media Network Investments: A case concerning financial investments in the CSN media network, currently under the jurisdiction of the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.
Ratmalana Property Deal: A case regarding the acquisition of a property worth LKR 350 million in Ratmalana in 2012.
In one of these cases, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court had previously granted bail to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, imposing a travel ban and requiring two surety bonds of LKR 5 million each.
During earlier hearings, an Attorney General’s representative noted that although Daisy Forrest’s name appears on property documents, investigations have revealed that the true owners of these properties may be others. Questions have also been raised regarding how she could afford such expensive assets given her modest income.
Ongoing Inquiry and Future Actions
As authorities continue to examine financial records and gather evidence, the case remains active. The Magistrate’s insistence on due process—beginning with recording Daisy Forrest’s statement—highlights concerns over the investigative approach taken by the CID. The decision to reject the premature arrest request serves as a reminder that legal procedures must be followed, even when allegations involve high-profile figures and substantial sums of money.
