The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (01) ordered the release of former Minister S. M. Chandrasena on bail. He had been previously remanded by the Bribery Commission over allegations of corruption.
The charges stem from the alleged misuse of maize seeds worth Rs. 25 million, which were procured in 2014 to be distributed at subsidized prices to impoverished farmers in the Anuradhapura District. Instead, the seeds were reportedly distributed among his friends and political supporters, in violation of legal procedures, with the intent of gaining undue advantage during that year’s presidential election.
In a separate case, Dhanushka Weerakkody, the son-in-law of Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena, who had been remanded in relation to the controversial jeep deal, was also granted bail today. He was taken into custody after surrendering to the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court and was remanded until today.
Weerakkody was brought to the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court from the Malwatte Prison in Kalutara for further proceedings in the case. During the hearing, the court ordered his release on two surety bail bonds, each valued at Rs. 2 million.
Additionally, Rasika Buddhika Withana, the son of Parliamentarian Jagath Withana, who had also been remanded and instructed to appear before the same court, was present at today’s hearing at the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court.
