The Colombo High Court has ordered the release on bail of a driver who had been in remand custody for nearly a year in connection with the alleged murder of a female lawyer residing in Mirihana.
The order was issued by High Court Judge Lal Bandara yesterday (27) following the review of a bail application submitted by Attorney-at-Law Jayaba Kalupahana on behalf of the suspect.
Accordingly, the suspect was granted a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and three sureties of Rs. 100,000 each. The judge also prohibited the suspect from travelling abroad without court permission, imposing an overseas travel ban.
As part of the bail conditions, the suspect must report to the Mirihana Police on the last Sunday of every month. The judge further stated that if any of these conditions are violated, the bail will be revoked and the suspect will be remanded again.
The suspect, a resident of Kirinda, Puhulwella, had served as the driver of the deceased lawyer and was remanded following his arrest by Mirihana Police in connection with her murder on September 21, 2024. The victim, a 36-year-old lawyer who had been separated from her spouse, was allegedly killed at her residence.
Attorney Jayaba Kalupahana, appearing for the suspect, informed the court that his client had worked as the victim’s driver for about two years and later developed a romantic relationship with her. The suspect is accused of committing the murder out of rage after the victim attempted to end the relationship.
The attorney further argued that under Section 16 of the Bail Act, the maximum remand period for such an offence is 12 months, and the suspect has already been in custody for 12 months and 2 days, making him eligible for bail.
However, the state counsel strongly opposed the bail request, stating that the Attorney General has decided to file direct indictments against the suspect in the High Court. She argued that releasing the suspect on bail before the indictment could interfere with the proceedings and obstruct justice.
In response, the defence attorney stated that there was no evidence suggesting his client had influenced or threatened any witnesses. He requested that the suspect be released on bail under any suitable conditions.
After considering all submissions, the High Court Judge issued the bail order. (Newswire)