Prasanna Granted Bail on Health Grounds – Allowed Only Protein Meals Every Four Hours

Colombo, November 12 — Former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today, was released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, citing health-related concerns.

According to legal submissions, the former minister, who recently underwent surgery, is unable to consume regular meals and requires small protein-based portions every four hours. His lawyers argued that continued detention would pose a serious threat to his health, and the court accepted the medical evidence presented.

Ranatunga was granted bail under a cash bond of Rs. 100,000 and two surety bonds of Rs. 5 million each. The court also imposed a foreign travel ban while the investigation continues.

Allegations Linked to Irregular Insurance Appointment

The former minister faces charges relating to an alleged irregular appointment of an insurance brokerage firm during his tenure as Minister of Tourism and Aviation.

Investigators claim that Ranatunga influenced the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and the Tourism Development Authority to appoint My Insurance Brokers as an intermediary, bypassing normal procurement procedures.

The CIABOC alleges that this move led to the payment of an undue commission exceeding Rs. 4.7 million, causing financial loss to the state. It is also claimed that funds were later transferred to five other accounts, raising further suspicions of misuse.

Court Proceedings

Representing CIABOC, Chief Inspector Gamini Abeysinghe told court that the accused had allegedly pressured the officials involved and later attempted to influence witnesses after statements were recorded.

Therefore, the prosecution requested that he be remanded to prevent interference with witnesses.

Appearing for Ranatunga, President’s Counsel Anil Silva argued that his client acted in the public interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, when government agencies struggled to repatriate Sri Lankan migrant workers from Kuwait. He stated that the insurance-related payments were made to cover aviation costs under urgent circumstances, not for personal gain.

Another counsel, President’s Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetty, submitted medical reports detailing Ranatunga’s post-surgical dietary restrictions and emphasised that failure to maintain his special nutritional schedule could endanger his life.

Magistrate’s Ruling

Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama noted that the decision before the court concerned bail, not guilt or innocence, and that under Section 70 of the Bribery Act, the alleged offence is bailable at the Magistrate’s discretion.

He also observed that while the prosecution had orally alleged witness interference, there was no corresponding written report or formal statement from witnesses to substantiate that claim. The court further noted that, despite investigations continuing since 2022, no concrete evidence of interference had been presented.

Accordingly, the magistrate released Prasanna Ranatunga on bail with health-related conditions, ordering him to refrain from contacting witnesses and to cooperate fully with the ongoing CIABOC investigation.