Former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga have been acquitted in a case brought against them by Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero. The case pertained to allegations of financial irregularities stemming from their roles in 2014.

Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thera had filed a private plaint, alleging financial improprieties that were purported to have occurred during Cabraal's tenure as CBSL Governor and Weeratunga's service as President's Secretary in 2014.

Following the presentation of preliminary objections by the defense, challenging the validity of the case, Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage issued a ruling to release Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Lalith Weeratunga from the case. Subsequently, the matter was dismissed.

The private plaint was filed under Section 136(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act by Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thera.

The petitioner had alleged that, during Ajith Nivard Cabral's tenure as CBSL Governor in 2014, the Sri Lankan government had disbursed USD 6.5 million via the Central Bank to an American businessman named Imaad Shah Zuberi, who was described as a CIA informant. The funds were purportedly intended to influence and enhance the country's image in the United States. The petitioner further claimed that a U.S. Court had determined that out of the allocated funds, USD 5.6 million or 80% had been used by Zuberi for personal purposes.

It was alleged that former CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral had authorized the transfer of USD 6.5 million without securing prior approval from Parliament or the Cabinet of Ministers, potentially infringing upon Article 150 of the Constitution.