Ceylinco Chairman hospitalised

Rafik JALALDEEN

Ceylinco Group Chairman Lalith Kotelawala was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital yesterday afternoon for treatment after he was remanded on Thursday in connection with the alleged Golden Key Credit Card fraud.

Prison Commissioner Rtd Major General Vajira Wijegunawardana said Kotelawala (70) had been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital around 2 pm. by Welikada prison authorities due to his illness.

“He is suffering from a heart ailment and diabetes. After going through all his medical certificates, we have admitted him to the Colombo National Hospital,” he added.

Major General Wijegunawardana noted that Kotelawala will be sent to the Welikada prison after treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

“He will be examined by our doctor and brought back to prison until he is cleared from his case. It is our duty to protect the accused from sickness and keep him fit,” he told the Daily News.

Kotelawala was remanded on Thursday until March 11 following a court order issued by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate Harsha Setunga in connection with the alleged Golden Key Credit Card fraud running into Rs. 26 billion.

* Ceylinco has over 100 companies in almost every industry sector

* The Ceylinco Group was weakened after the Golden Key Credit Card scam in late December 2008.

* Central Bank Monetary board dissolved the Board of Seylan Bank in December 2008 and requested the Bank of Ceylon to appoint a new board.

* A new Chairman and Board of Directors were appointed to Seylan Bank by the Bank of Ceylon in December 30, 2008.