IGP seeks bail to attend son’s wedding

• Court forwards request to Prisons Commissioner 
• Son’s wedding to be held on 2 Jan., but bail application to be taken up again on 9 Jan. 

The Colombo High court yesterday said it will direct a request for bail to attend his son’s wedding by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara, who is current held in remand detention, to the Commissioner of Prisons. 

Jayasundara was sent on compulsory leave following several investigations regarding failures that led to the Easter Sunday bombings not being prevented. 

The bail application was submitted to Court by Jayasundara’s lawyer, seeking bail for the IGP to attend his son’s wedding next month. 

Addressing the Court, Jayasundara’s lawyer Anura Maddegoda said that his client was seeking bail to attend his son’s wedding planned for 2 January. 

President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda, who represented the IGP, told the court that the wedding ceremony of his client’s son is scheduled to take place at 6.30 a.m. on 2 January 2020 at the Gangarama Temple in Colombo, which is followed by a reception in Negombo scheduled for the evening.

Maddegoda requested the Magistrate to direct the Commissioner of Prisons to grant his client bail to attend the functions. The request was heard by Magistrate Adithya Patabadige. 

However, the Prosecutor from the Attorney General’s Department objected to the request, pointing out they did not have the power to issue such a directive. The Magistrate informed parties that the Court cannot issue such a directive but will forward Jayasundara’s request to the Prison Commissioner. 

The bail application was then scheduled to be taken up again on 9 January, and the respondents were ordered to raise objections on that day if there are any. 

Former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Hemasiri Fernando’s bail application, which was also taken up at Colombo High Court, will also be taken up again on 9 January.