Colombo Additional Magistrate Darshima Premaratne today (22) ordered the release of millionaire businessman Viranjith Thambugala, Chairman of Aura Lanka, from the case filed by the Criminal Investigation Department alleging that he had defrauded Rs. 70 million in the purchase of a helicopter.Delivering the order, the Magistrate stated that the suspect was being released in accordance with instructions issued by the Attorney General indicating that there was no possibility of instituting criminal proceedings against him.The Magistrate also ordered the removal of the overseas travel ban imposed on Viranjith Thambugala.

The complaint had been filed by the Financial and Commercial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department following a complaint lodged by Arthur Senanayake, owner of I.W.S. Holding Private Limited, alleging that Rs. 70 million had been misappropriated after funds were obtained for the purchase of a helicopter.