Former State Minister Shantha Bandara says the law should be enforced against anyone who commits an offence, including his own son, but warned against accusing individuals based on assumptions.
His comments came after the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today granted bail to his son, Anuda Bandara, and five other suspects who had been remanded in connection with the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million from a Chinese national.
The court ordered each suspect to be released on cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and imposed a foreign travel ban.
Speaking following the court proceedings, Shantha Bandara said he had confidence in the judiciary and expressed concern over what he described as false reports circulated in the media and on social media in recent days.
“Not only my son, if anyone has done something wrong, the law must be enforced. We are very clear about that,” he said.
Bandara claimed that his lawyers had informed him that there was no evidence to substantiate allegations against his son. He also welcomed the Police investigation, saying the matter had been investigated from different angles.
“The truth prevails. Today, that truth has prevailed. We extend our respect to the judiciary,” he said.
The former State Minister said anyone found to have committed an offence should face legal consequences, but argued that it was wrong to accuse individuals based on assumptions.
He also suggested that some of the publicity surrounding the case was linked to his continued involvement in active politics.
Anuda Bandara and the other suspects were arrested on July 21 over the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million from a Chinese national. (Newswire)