'Siriliya Saviya' Inquiry: Shiranthi remanded until the 13th – Pradeep released on bail

The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court today (07) ordered Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was arrested on charges of criminally misappropriating 10 million rupees by claiming that a CT scanner would be provided to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, to be remanded until October 13. Her bail application, requesting consideration of her medical condition, is also scheduled to be heard on the 13th. Following the court order, authorities have taken steps to detain her in a secure location within the women's section of the Colombo Remand Prison.

Prison Commissioner and Prison Media Spokesperson Senaka Pallethenna confirmed that arrangements have been made to detain the suspect Shiranthi Rajapaksa in a secure location within the women's section of the Colombo Remand Prison. She was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning and subsequently remanded after being produced before the court in the afternoon.

This case is based on an investigation into an alleged financial transaction that occurred through the 'Siriliya Saviya' organization and its account. She is accused of criminally misappropriating government funds by obtaining 10 million rupees (Rs. 10,000,000/-) from the National Savings Bank, claiming that a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner would be purchased and provided to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, but failing to provide the said machine to the hospital. The Bribery Commission had taken this legal action regarding the offense of 'corruption' and offenses under the Public Property Act.

Meanwhile, the court ordered the release on bail of Mr. Pradeep Kariyawasam, former Chairman of the National Savings Bank, who was arrested today in connection with the same case and produced before the court. Bail was granted on two personal sureties of 10 million rupees each. 

Accordingly, of the two suspects who appeared before the court in connection with the same incident, Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa was remanded until the 13th, while the former bank chairman was granted bail.