Sooriyarachchi re-remanded till April 10

Sarath Malalasekera

KADUWELA: Kaduwela Additional Magistrate Lakmal Wickremasuriya yesterday refused an application for bail by former Minister Sripathy Sooriyaarachchi, in remand custody for allegedly misusing Government property, and further remanded him till April 10.

Earlier, on an application by President's Counsel Tilak Marapana, Senior Counsel for the suspect, the Magistrate allowed Sooriyaarachchi to attend Parliament and Select Committee sessions during sittings.

Sooriyaarachchi was taken into custody by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials in connection with misusing a Postal and Telecommunication Department vehicle.

Refusing bail, the Magistrate observed that being a Member of Parliament or member of a Select Committee does not constitute exceptional circumstances to warrant bail under the Public Property Act.

The suspect should be responsible for the vehicle which was under his Ministry. The suspect was taken into custody by the CID only after recording a statement from him in connection with the vehicle in question, the Magistrate observed.

In his lengthy order for refusing bail, the Magistrate observed that the defence had not pleaded exceptional circumstances to grant bail.

Senior State Counsel Menaka Wijesundera appeared with the CID for the Attorney General.

President's Counsel Tilak Marapana with Nalin Ladduwahetty, Nelanthi Peiris, Methsiri Paranavitharana, Jayantha Samarakoon, Ranjith Pigera and B.P. Heenkanda instructed by Paul Ratnayake appeared for the suspect.

The case will be called again on April 10.