April 01, Colombo (LNW): Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ruled that MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake will remain in remand custody until April 08, 2025, extending his detention as legal proceedings against him continue.
Dassanayake, who was arrested on March 27, appeared before the court today (01). Whilst he was granted bail in connection with two charges, he remains in remand over a third, more serious allegation.
The case, brought forward by the Bribery Commission, stems from his tenure as Chief Minister of Uva Province in 2016.
Investigators allege that Dassanayake orchestrated a scheme to solicit funds from three state-owned banks under the guise of financing schoolbags for preschool children.
Whilst two banks complied, transferring Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million respectively into an account linked to his personal foundation, a third institution refused to disburse funds.
In apparent retaliation, Dassanayake is accused of withdrawing fixed deposits held by the Uva Provincial Council from that bank, allegedly causing a government financial loss of Rs. 17.3 million.
The court, after reviewing the evidence, ruled that the MP could be granted bail on two of the charges but must remain in custody over the third.
