Court Denies Bail for Shasheendra Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered that former Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa be further remanded until September 30. 

The order was issued as Rajapaksa remains in custody over allegations of offenses committed under the Public Property Act.

The court was scheduled to consider his bail application today (22). 

However, the Chief Magistrate ruled that there were no sufficient grounds to grant bail at this time, and ordered that the suspect remain in remand custody.

President’s Counsel Anuja Premarathna, appearing for Rajapaksa, informed the court that his client was in poor health. 

Taking this into consideration, the Chief Magistrate directed prison authorities to ensure the suspect receives appropriate medical treatment.

Shasheendra Rajapaksa was arrested by the Bribery Commission on August 6 in connection with allegations that he unlawfully obtained compensation amounting to Rs. 8,850,000 for property—including a building—constructed without authorization on land belonging to the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority in Sewanagala. 

The property was reportedly damaged during the Aragalaya protests, and Rajapaksa is accused of exerting pressure on officials to secure the compensation.