Saman Ekanayake released on strict bail conditions after meeting CBK

The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court today (18) ordered the release of former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, who was remanded on charges of misusing government funds amounting to 1.5 billion rupees, on strict bail conditions.

The suspect former Presidential Secretary, who had been remanded since being produced before the court on the 11th until today, was brought to the court premises by prison officials today around 1.45 PM. Considering the bail application submitted on behalf of the suspect, the Fort Magistrate ordered his release on two personal bail bonds of 20 million rupees each. Mr. Saman Ekanayake has been named as the second suspect in the case filed alleging that the government incurred a loss of over 1.5 billion rupees during a private visit to London for a graduation ceremony of the President's wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe, when former President Ranil Wickremesinghe held the presidency.

Meanwhile, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga also visited Magazine Prison to inquire about the well-being of Mr. Saman Ekanayake, who was detained there. She stated in a press release that although she generally does not visit prisons, she went on this occasion to express her displeasure and protest regarding the current situation. She emphasized that Mr. Saman Ekanayake is a good person and a skilled administrator whom she has associated with very closely, and that such experienced officers in the administrative service are essential for running a country.

A short while after she met Saman Ekanayake, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, who appeared before the court, was granted bail.