The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Friday ordered the release on bail of the Chief Executive Officer of a private insurance company who was arrested in connection with an alleged bribery payment to a former Additional Government Analyst.
The suspect had been arrested and produced before court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABC).
Presenting facts to court, Bribery Commission officials said information had been uncovered indicating that the suspect had approved payments made to the former Additional Government Analyst, who is currently in remand custody, to facilitate the alleged bribery.
The Commission further alleged that Continental Insurance Lanka Limited had facilitated a payment of Rs. 6,415,050 to D.H.L.W. Jayamanna, a former official of the Government Analyst’s Department.
The Commission said the suspect was arrested on charges of aiding and abetting corruption and offering gratification to a public servant, and requested that he be remanded, stating that investigations were still ongoing.
Appearing on behalf of the insurance company, President’s Counsel Ali Sabry told court that neither the suspect nor the company had engaged in any act of bribery.
He submitted that the services of the former Additional Government Analyst had been obtained lawfully, noting that under the Establishments Code, officers of the Government Analyst’s Department are legally permitted to provide private services.
Following consideration of submissions, the Magistrate ordered the suspect to be released on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 5 million each, imposed a foreign travel ban, and warned against influencing witnesses. The case was fixed for December 22. (Newswire)