Charitha Ratwatte Released on Bail | NO Foreign Travel

COLOMBO (News 1st); Charitha Ratwatte, former Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and senior advisor to a former Prime Minister, was released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, following his arrest earlier in the day by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Ratwatte was granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each, with the court also issuing an order prohibiting foreign travel.

The arrest relates to a controversial procurement decision made in 2015, during which Ratwatte allegedly authorized the import of 50 temporary warehouses through the State Trading (General) Corporation, at a cost exceeding Rs. 99.6 million, without following proper procedures or demonstrating necessity. 

Investigators claim the move resulted in a financial loss to the government and provided undue benefit to a private company.

The suspect was presented before court at approximately 2:45 PM, but due to a power outage at the court premises around 3:15 PM, the hearing was moved to the Chief Magistrate’s official chambers.

Presenting the case, CIABOC investigators stated that Ratwatte, while serving as Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister in 2015, bypassed standard procurement protocols and facilitated the import of 50 temporary warehouses from a private company he had allegedly nominated, despite there being no actual requirement.

Investigators further informed the court that this action resulted in a financial loss of Rs. 99,679,799.70 to the government and provided undue advantage to the private company involved.

CIABOC officials requested that the suspect be remanded, citing that the act constituted a clear case of corruption.

Appearing on behalf of the suspect, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne submitted a bail application.

After reviewing the facts, the Chief Magistrate ordered the release of Charitha Ratwatte on bail.

In connection with the same case, former Chairman of the State Trading (General) Corporation, Hussein Ahmad Bahila, who was arrested last Friday by CIABOC, was also released on bail.