The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has directed the Illicit Assets Investigation Unit to conduct a thorough investigation into the business dealings of model Piumi Hansamali under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The court has instructed the unit to submit its findings at a later date.
The case was presented before Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake on March 21, 2025. The proceedings were initiated following a motion filed by Hansamali’s legal representative. During the hearing, Chief Inspector Sampath Rajakaruna, the Officer in Charge of the Illicit Assets Investigation Unit, informed the court that Hansamali was facing allegations related to the sale of high-end cosmetics at inflated prices. Additionally, the Chief Inspector revealed that there were potential connections between Hansamali and a prominent drug trafficker who was apprehended in November 2023.
Hansamali’s attorney, Sumudu Hewage, refuted the allegations against his client. He asserted that Hansamali operates a legitimate cosmetics business, catering to a customer base of over 34,500 individuals through courier services. Hewage vehemently denied the media reports that accused Hansamali of price gouging and stated that these unfounded claims had significantly damaged her business and led to customer attrition.
The police are currently investigating whether Hansamali’s luxury vehicle, which has been linked to the arrested drug trafficker, is connected to the sale of illegal drugs. The Chief Inspector of Police argued that a comprehensive investigation was necessary to ascertain whether Hansamali’s business was involved in the sale of cosmetics or illicit substances.
Acknowledging the necessity of the investigation, Magistrate Ratnayake emphasized that the police must conduct the inquiry in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, ensuring that Hansamali’s business is not unduly affected during the process. The court has instructed the police to provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation.