Former Ministry Secretary Anusha Pelpita Released on Bail

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered the release on bail of former Ministry Secretary Anusha Pelpita, who had been in remand custody over allegations of acquiring assets without being able to disclose their lawful origin.

The case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

During the hearing, officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption submitted a progress report, informing the court that an analytical report had been called regarding the suspect’s investments in the stock market. They requested an additional date for further proceedings.

Appearing for Pelpita, Attorney-at-Law Kanchana Ratwatte told the court that the suspect had been in remand for one month and was willing to fully cooperate with the investigation. He requested that the suspect be released on suitable bail conditions.

After considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate noted there was no reason to keep the suspect further in remand and ordered his release on two surety bails of Rs. 5,000,000 each.

The Magistrate also imposed conditions including a travel ban, ordering Pelpita to surrender his passport to court.

The case is scheduled to be taken up again on May 29.