Former Minister Gamini Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Vehicle Assembly and Forgery

The Anti-Corruption Strike Force (Walana) arrested former Minister Gamini Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa yesterday (19) on charges of illegal vehicle assembly and forgery of documents, following a prolonged investigation. This high-profile arrest has been labeled a significant political development.

Discovery of the Illegal Vehicle

The investigation revealed that the illegal vehicle, a lorry, was uncovered during a raid conducted by the Anti-Corruption Strike Force on December 5, 2024, in the Haputale Police Division. The lorry was found at the former minister’s estate in Muthuwana Watta, Haputale, and subsequently taken to the Haputale Police Station for further examination.

Investigators found that the lorry had been illegally imported into the country, with its engine and chassis numbers altered using forged documents. Additionally, the vehicle had been assembled in a manner deviating significantly from its original manufacturing specifications.

Notably, the former minister had previously lodged a complaint with the Haputale Police, claiming that the registration certificate and revenue license for the lorry had been lost. This complaint is now considered critical evidence in the ongoing investigation, according to officials.

The 67-year-old former minister appeared at the Anti-Corruption Strike Force’s Walana office, where he provided a statement over five hours. Following this, he was formally arrested and handed over to the Haputale Police Station for further inquiries. He is expected to be presented before the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court today (20).

A spokesperson for the Anti-Corruption Strike Force emphasized that no individual is above the law, regardless of their status, and that thorough investigations into such fraudulent activities will continue. They reiterated the department’s commitment to upholding legal integrity and pursuing all related inquiries.

The case has sparked significant public interest, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat corruption and illegal activities, particularly among high-profile figures. Authorities hope that the investigation will serve as a deterrent to future violations and underscore the equal application of the law.