Ven Ulapane Sumangala Thero Gets Bail

COLOMBO (News 1st); Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero, the Convenor of the Teacher-Principal Trade Union Collective, and four others were granted bail by Colombo Hultsdorf Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena on Friday (26).

The other individuals granted bail are former Colombo Municipal Councilor Sunanda Liyapathirana, his wife, former Municipal Councilor Devika Matararachchi, Sameera Chaturanga, and Pubudu Lakmal.

The magistrate set bail at 100,000 rupees for the first suspect, Sameera Chaturanga, and 200,000 rupees each for the remaining four suspects, including Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero.

On the 22nd, Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero and another were arrested in connection with an alleged incident of disobeying a court order, obstructing government officials, and exerting pressure by presenting a minister's letter.

The five suspects, accused of obstructing the execution of court orders to demolish seven illegal shanty houses in Dabare Mawatha, Narahenpita appeared before the court on the same day through legal representation.

Considering the facts presented, the magistrate had detremanded the suspects until today.

In announcing the bail orders, the magistrate emphasized that any undue pressure on witnesses could lead to the cancellation of bail, resulting in remand custody.

The case is scheduled to be called again on August 5th.