By Newswire Editorial
Former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who was granted bail by the Colombo High Court today (06) in connection with a corruption case, has been returned to prison after failing to fulfil the bail conditions.
Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela issued the bail order when the case filed against the former minister by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was taken up for hearing.
However, Bogollagama was taken back to prison as he was unable to meet the bail requirements. He is expected to remain in remand custody until November 25, when the case will be taken up again.
Meanwhile, the High Court rejected a request by the defence to acquit Bogollagama without calling for defence evidence and ordered the defence to present its case.
Bogollagama, who also served as Governor of the Eastern Province, had previously been remanded after repeatedly failing to appear in court in connection with the corruption case.
The High Court had issued several warrants for his arrest, while proceedings were initiated in his absence in 2025 due to his continued failure to attend the trial.
The case was filed by the Bribery Commission in 2020 over allegations that Bogollagama had induced the Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) to authorise payments exceeding Rs. 1.5 million, contrary to Treasury regulations.
The payments were allegedly made for hotel accommodation and exhibition expenses during an investment promotion event organised by the BOI in London in 2006.
The former minister faces charges of corruption under the Bribery Act in connection with the alleged transaction.
The High Court has postponed further proceedings until November 25 and directed prison authorities to produce Bogollagama before court on that date. (Newswire)