A Sri Lankan man accused of impersonating Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to solicit public donations has been remanded until April 21, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama ordered on Monday.
The suspect, identified as Hettiarachchige Sudesh Nalinda Alwis of Pilimatalawa, was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport on his return from overseas. Investigators say he opened bank accounts in the minister’s name and appealed to the public for contributions, claiming the money would fund a wheelchair for a Buddhist monk.
Minister Jayatissa himself filed the complaint with the CID’s Computer Crimes Unit, which launched the probe. The magistrate directed investigators to continue tracing any co-conspirators linked to the scheme.
Officials said the case is part of a broader pattern. The CID is investigating similar frauds in which suspects have impersonated doctors, nurses and other well-known figures to raise charitable contributions under false pretences.
The arrest comes days after Sri Lanka Police issued a nationwide warning about a surge in online fraud ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 13–14, a period in which fraudulent fundraising appeals historically spike. Authorities are urging the public to verify all charity appeals directly with named officials or institutions before transferring funds.
The case also highlights growing concern over identity impersonation of sitting cabinet ministers on digital platforms, with CID investigators calling for tighter verification protocols at local banks when opening accounts under public officials’ names.
