Former State Minister Shantha Bandara has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), seeking Rs. 500 million in compensation for what he described as severe damage to his reputation and that of his family and political party.

Addressing the media, Bandara said the allegations surrounding his son’s alleged involvement in a cash robbery were fabricated and sensationalized “like a movie.” 

He claimed the police investigation was riddled with inconsistencies, pointing out that officers gave conflicting accounts of his son’s whereabouts, first saying he was within 500 metres of the crime scene, then shifting to Narahenpita, and later Rajagiriya.

Bandara stressed that the judiciary had independently examined the matter and that police were unable to substantiate their claims when questioned by his lawyers.

He accused political opponents of targeting his minor son as a means of attacking him, adding that the ordeal had caused immense harm to his family.

“This is character assassination, which is a crime,” Bandara said, vowing to reveal in detail why he believes his family was singled out.

His comments come in connection to the incident where his son, Anuda Bandara, along with five others, was arrested and remanded on July 21 in connection with the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million from a Chinese national in Colpetty. (Newswire)

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Former State Minister Shantha Bandara’s son, Anuda Bandara, along with five other suspects, was today ordered to be released on bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects, who had been arrested and remanded in connection with a cash robbery incident, were produced before court this morning. 

The Magistrate ordered their release on a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 each, while also imposing a foreign travel ban.

The group, including Bandara, was arrested on July 21 over the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million from a Chinese national. (Newswire)

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Anuda Bandara, son of former State Minister Shantha Bandara, was today ordered to be remanded until July 27 in connection with the robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national. 

The order was issued by Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena after the suspect had been detained and questioned for 24 hours by the Criminal Investigation Department.

Investigating officers told court they are examining the suspect’s telephone and bank records, as well as possible cryptocurrency transactions linked to the case.

The first suspect was identified by a witness during an identification parade held at the Magistrate’s premises earlier today.

The court was further informed that another suspect is expected to be arrested and that the vehicle used in the fraud is being taken into custody.

Four other suspects connected to the incident have also been remanded until July 27. The case is scheduled to be recalled on that date. (Newswire)

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Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today granted permission to detain and question for 24 hours the son of former State Minister Shantha Bandara, who was arrested by the Colpetty Police in connection with the robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national.

Police informed the court that the Inspector General of Police has handed over further investigations to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). CID officers appearing before court requested detention to continue questioning.

The Magistrate ordered the case to be recalled tomorrow (23) at 2.30 pm for further proceedings.

This order followed submissions made by Colpetty Police after presenting the suspect before court. (Newswire)

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The son of former State Minister Shantha Bandara is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (22) in connection with the robbery of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national, it was reported. 

According to the Police, he was arrested yesterday after surrendering to the Colpetty Police while giving a statement.

The robbery occurred on July 13 in Colpetty, when two men posing as police officers stopped a Chinese national travelling in a vehicle. They checked his travel documents, and fled with a bag containing Rs. 20 million. The incident was captured on CCTV.

It is reported that officers of the Colpetty Anti‑Narcotics Unit, engaged in a drug raid nearby, witnessed the incident and arrested one suspect. Though he initially claimed to have acted alone, further interrogation and phone analysis led the Police to identify four more suspects.

Three additional individuals, including another Chinese national, were later arrested. 

Investigations revealed that Shantha Bandara’s son and others had been waiting nearby to divide the stolen money, but had fled upon learning of the arrests.

Subsequently, the former minister’s son surrendered to the Police and was taken into custody. (Newswire)

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