By Daisy Forrest, also known as ‘Daisy Achchi’, the grandmother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, was released on bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate today.
She was released by the magistrate on three sureties of Rs. 5 million each.
She was arrested after a statement being recorded by the CID this morning.
Daisy Forrest, affectionately known as ‘Daisy Achchi’ (Grandmother Daisy), is 96-years -old has been implicated in a high-profile money laundering investigation. She is the grand aunt of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Key Developments:
Money Laundering Allegations: In February 2025, authorities identified Daisy Forrest as a suspect in a money laundering case involving her grandson, Yoshitha Rajapaksa. Investigations revealed that over LKR 59 million (approximately USD 295,000) was deposited into a joint bank account held by both Daisy and Yoshitha.
Travel Restrictions: Following these revelations, the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court imposed an overseas travel ban on Daisy Forrest to prevent potential interference with the ongoing investigation.
ONLANKA
Property Transactions: Further scrutiny uncovered that a property in Ratmalana was registered under Daisy Forrest’s name. This property is under investigation concerning its connection to the alleged illicit financial activities of Yoshitha Rajapaksa.
Official Clarifications: In response to public speculation, Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga confirmed that the travel ban on Daisy Forrest remains in effect, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
These developments have placed Daisy Forrest at the center of a significant legal investigation, highlighting concerns about financial misconduct linked to prominent political figures in Sri Lanka.She is also among those who travelled to Paris with Shranthi Rajapaksha to celebrate Wesak on the taxpayers account. She has also not been able to explain how she raised funds to buy lands worth millions while receiving a very small salary as a teacher and hospital worker.
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Daisy Wickramasinghe Claims No Memory of Transactions
During the court proceedings, CID’s Financial Crimes Division stated that Wickramasinghe was unable to explain the source of the LKR 590 million and was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
However, her defense lawyer argued that she was first questioned about the case a decade ago, in 2015, and given her advanced age, she now suffers from severe memory loss.
“Your Honour, my client is 96 years old. While she can move around physically, her memory is failing. She does not even remember what she ate for breakfast today, let alone financial transactions from 2013. Yet, she is being questioned about decade-old bank transactions,” her lawyer stated.
Court Grants Bail
The CID did not object to granting bail, and after reviewing the submissions, the Kaduwela Magistrate ordered Wickramasinghe’s release on bail set at LKR 500,000 in personal sureties from three guarantors.
