House of Fashions owner and Managing Director Preethi Jayawardena has been remanded over an alleged Customs violation, according to the Daily Mirror.
Sri Lanka Customs officers arrested Jayawardena at his residence during a special investigation into a customs valuation issue involving the well-known Colombo retail chain.
A senior Customs official told the Daily Mirror that Jayawardena developed a heart-related medical condition while in the custody of Customs officers. He was subsequently admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo for treatment.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate later visited the hospital, observed the suspect, and ordered that he be remanded. He is reported to be receiving continued treatment under the supervision of prison officials.
House of Fashions is one of Sri Lanka’s largest single-location retail outlets, drawing heavy shopper footfall to its multi-storey store in Colombo. The circumstances of the alleged valuation discrepancy have not been detailed by authorities, and investigations are ongoing.
