November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has directed that an expert psychiatric assessment be carried out to determine whether Daisy Forrest, grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, is mentally capable of taking part in ongoing legal proceedings.
Forrest and Rajapaksa are facing charges brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with the Attorney General alleging that the pair unlawfully obtained assets valued at around Rs. 73 million. Both accused, who remain on bail, were present when the matter was taken up before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga.
Forrest’s legal representatives previously informed the court that, at 98 years old, she suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, making her unable to properly engage in the trial. They noted that a medical report concerning her cognitive condition had already been submitted to the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court in 2017. On this basis, the defence has asked that she be excused from further participation in the case.
When the matter was heard yesterday, the court considered the Attorney General’s stance on the defence’s request. Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara argued that a fresh evaluation was necessary and recommended that Forrest be examined by a specialist psychiatrist through the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer.
After reviewing submissions from both sides, the judge ordered that an updated psychiatric report be obtained to assess whether Forrest is presently fit to appear before the court, allowing the case to proceed with greater clarity regarding her mental state.
