Kaduwela Magistrate rejects Basil’s bail application

Kaduwela Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala yesterday rejected the bail application submitted by United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Basil Rajapaksa and three others, further remanding them in custody until 10 June. 

The three others remanded with Rajapaksa were former Economic Development Ministry Secretary Nihal Jayatilake, former Divi Neguma fund Director General R.R.K. Ranawaka and former Regional Director Bandula Thilakasiri. 

Rajapaksa was arrested on 22 April by the Police’s Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) and charged under the Offenses Against Public Property Act. The main charge against him is the misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs. 70 million in the Divi Neguma Fund. Meanwhile, a Fundamental Rights petition has been filed by Rajapaksa against his arrest by the FCID.

SC to hear Basil’s FR petition next week

The Supreme Court yesterday fixed the hearing of the Fundamental Rights Petition filed by United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Basil Rajapaksa, who seeks an interim order releasing him from remand custody, for 4 and 5 June.  

When the petition came before the three-judge bench, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva, appearing for the petitioner, made his oral submissions seeking an interim order for leave to be granted to proceed with the petition.