The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today ordered the release on bail of former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, who had been remanded in custody over allegations of aiding the misuse of state funds.
Ekanayake was arrested on charges of facilitating the approval of state funds for former president Ranil Wickremeisnghe’s private visit to the United Kingdom undertaken in 2023.
Ekanayake was named as the second suspect in the case, which alleged that Wickremesinghe misused approximately Rs. 16.9 million in public funds to attend his wife Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe’s graduation ceremony in London during an official visit in late 2023.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara ordered that the suspect be released on two surety bails of Rs. 2 million each.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing for Ekanayake, had recently requested the court to grant bail.
Additional Solicitor General Dilip Peiris howevever, appearing on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department, had strongly objected to the bail application.
After considering the submissions made by both parties, the magistrate issued the order granting bail. (Newswire)
