Former Minister S. M. Chandrasena, who had been remanded on charges of corruption, was granted bail today (1) by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
Chandrasena was arrested by the Bribery Commission for allegedly misusing Rs. 25 million worth of maize seeds. The seeds, which were intended for distribution at subsidized rates to underprivileged farmers in the Anuradhapura district in 2014, were reportedly distributed instead to his personal acquaintances and political supporters. This act, carried out in violation of proper legal procedures, is alleged to have been done to gain an unfair advantage during that year’s presidential election.
In a separate case, Dhanushka Weerakkody, the son-in-law of Parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena, was also granted bail today. He had been remanded in connection with a controversial jeep transaction.
Weerakkody surrendered to the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court and was remanded until today (1). He was subsequently transferred from the Kalutara Malwatte Prison to the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court to appear for the same case.
Rasika Buddhika Withana, the son of Parliamentarian Jagath Withana, who had also been remanded in relation to the same matter, appeared before the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court today.
Following the court proceedings, Dhanushka Weerakkody was released on two surety bail bonds amounting to Rs. 2 million.
