September 09, Colombo (LNW): Former cabinet minister Rajitha Senaratne has been granted bail after being presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court earlier today (09).
The decision follows a period of judicial custody stemming from legal proceedings initiated by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama, presiding over the hearing, ordered the former minister’s release on a cash bail of Rs. 50,000, along with two sureties amounting to Rs. 2 million each. In addition to the bail conditions, the court imposed a restriction on Senaratne’s overseas travel, pending the progression of the case.
The ruling came after submissions were heard from both Bribery Commission officials and legal counsel representing the former minister. The prosecution presented details relating to the case, while the defence petitioned for bail citing various legal and procedural grounds.
Senaratne had previously appeared before the same court on August 29 in connection with an unrelated matter brought forward by the Bribery Commission. During that appearance, a warrant was issued for his arrest due to non-compliance with prior court directives. He was subsequently taken into custody and remained in remand until today’s hearing.
