The Matara Magistrate’s Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of former minister Basil Rajapaksa after he failed to appear before court today (22).

The case relates to an investigation by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division over the purchase of land in Brown’s Hill, Matara.

Counsel representing Rajapaksa informed the court that he was overseas receiving medical treatment and submitted medical reports regarding his absence.

However, the Magistrate noted that Rajapaksa had repeatedly failed to appear before court and ordered the issuance of the arrest warrant.