Colombo Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama today ordered the release on bail of former Minister Johnston Fernando and Hemantha Lalith de Silva, a private company owner, who were arrested by the Bribery Commission on corruption charges.
The Colombo Magistrate, who considered the arguments presented by the Bribery Commission officers and the suspects' lawyers, ordered the suspects to be released on two surety bonds of Rs. 2.5 million each. In addition, a travel ban was imposed on the suspects.
The suspects were arrested by the Bribery Commission and produced before the court on suspicion of aiding and abetting corruption by arranging for the purchase of chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre in Polgolla, instead of purchasing them from the company that offered the lowest price, and causing a loss of Rs. 7.9 million to the government.