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The Colombo High Court has rejected a request made by Sumith Ranjan, the former Commissioner of Magazine Prison, to temporarily lift his travel ban. The ruling was delivered yesterday (March 4) by High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka.
During his bail hearing, the court had imposed a travel restriction, preventing him from leaving Sri Lanka. However, his legal representatives requested that this restriction be temporarily lifted for a one-week overseas visit starting March 7.
Investigations revealed that he had deposited approximately Rs. 300 million in fixed and savings accounts in two major banks in Colombo. Additionally, he had spent a large sum on foreign travel, which raised further concerns about the source of his wealth.
Allegations of Unexplained Wealth
Sumith Ranjan is facing charges of accumulating assets worth over Rs. 500 million, an amount deemed impossible to earn within two years through his salary and lawful income. The case was filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).During his bail hearing, the court had imposed a travel restriction, preventing him from leaving Sri Lanka. However, his legal representatives requested that this restriction be temporarily lifted for a one-week overseas visit starting March 7.
Court Rejects the Request
The prosecution strongly opposed the request, arguing that the travel ban was necessary given the severity of the allegations. After considering arguments from both sides, the High Court judge refused to grant permission for Sumith Ranjan to leave the country.Details of the Corruption Allegations
According to CIABOC, Sumith Ranjan served as the Commissioner of Magazine Prison from 2014 to 2016. During this period, he is alleged to have accumulated significant wealth and assets that far exceed his legal earnings.Investigations revealed that he had deposited approximately Rs. 300 million in fixed and savings accounts in two major banks in Colombo. Additionally, he had spent a large sum on foreign travel, which raised further concerns about the source of his wealth.
Disproportionate Expenditure
One of the key findings presented in court was that his personal expenses alone exceeded Rs. 34 million within two years, a sum that could not be justified based on his salary as a prison commissioner. CIABOC argued that his declared income was insufficient to account for his financial assets and expenditures.Strict Bail Conditions Continue
Following his arrest and release on bail, the court had imposed several conditions, including a travel ban. Despite his appeal for temporary relief from this restriction, the court upheld the existing order, citing concerns over the legitimacy of his financial transactions.Legal Implications
Under Sri Lanka’s Bribery Act, government officials are required to declare their assets and justify their sources of income. Failure to do so can lead to corruption charges. CIABOC maintains that Sumith Ranjan has not provided satisfactory explanations for his accumulated wealth.Case to Continue
As the legal proceedings move forward, Sumith Ranjan remains bound by his bail conditions, including the travel ban. The case is expected to continue in court, with further hearings examining the sources of his assets and potential violations of anti-corruption laws.
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