Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksha, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana former Organiser Charitha Wasantha Kumara Abeysinghe and former Airport Director of the Civil Aviation Authority Varushahennadige Aruna Sri Chathuranga be further remanded till July 17.

The three suspects were arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in connection with the alleged demand and acceptance of a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of an alleged organized criminal in return for facilitating benefits for him.When the case was taken up today, the Magistrate observed that no exceptional circumstances had been placed before court to justify granting bail and therefore declined the oral bail applications.The Magistrate further stated that the defence is at liberty to file a written bail application and that the court would allocate time to consider such an application.

The court also observed that, based on the material presently before it, there was no basis to conclude that the suspects should remain in remand custody until the conclusion of the trial. Accordingly, the Magistrate stated that if exceptional facts and circumstances are presented in support of a future bail application, the court would consider granting bail.