Several health conditions affecting MP Ravi Karunanayake were detailed before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Monday as his lawyers sought bail following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Attorney-at-Law Ashoka Weerasooriya, appearing for Karunanayake, told court that the former finance minister has five stents inserted in his heart and faces the possibility of requiring another stent.
The defence also said Karunanayake has suffered from sleep apnea since 2014 and requires a medical device while sleeping. His lawyer argued that sleeping without the device could place him at risk of serious heart or lung-related complications.
Court was further told that Karunanayake suffers from cellulitis, described by the defence as a serious bacterial infection, and that exposure to environments where infections could occur would pose a health risk.
His lawyer also said Karunanayake has uncontrolled diabetes.
A medical report from Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore relating to his health conditions was submitted to court, while the defence also produced what it said was an extensive list of medication taken by the MP daily.
The submissions were made as the defence requested that Karunanayake be released on bail under any conditions imposed by court.
Karunanayake was arrested by CIABOC after recording a statement for nearly three hours over an investigation into the alleged use of three National Lotteries Board recruits for duties outside the institution during his tenure as finance minister.
After considering submissions from both sides, Colombo Additional Magistrate Liyan Warusavithana ordered Karunanayake released on two surety bails of Rs. 1 million each and imposed an overseas travel ban.
The case is scheduled to be taken up again on Nov. 3. (Newswire)