Dushyantha Basnayake released on bail

Razeena Razick

COLOMBO: Colombo Chief Magistrate Sarojani Kusala Weerawardane yesterday released Director Ceylon Business Equipment and Financial Director of Maubima newspaper Dushyantha Basnayake on conditional bail.

The Terrorist investigation Department told Court they had no objection to the granting of bail. Accordingly the suspect was released on cash bail in Rs 25,000 and bound by two sureties in a sum of Rs.2.5 million each.

The Magistrate also ordered the suspect to surrender all his travel documents to court and warned him against causing any action that would hamper the on going investigation. The TID informed court that they are expecting to produce other suspects Lasantha Abeyweera, Chaminda Nanayakkara, Manoj Sanjeewa who have already been released after recording their statements as state witnesses.

The TID also informed court that they are conducting further inquiries on the issue. Basnayake who was held in remanded custody for alleged connections with the LTTE was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate by the Terrorist Investigation Department yesterday.

Earlier the Magistrate impounded the passport of Tiran Alles, former Chairman of the Aviation Authority and director, Maubima Newspaper who is currently under investigation for alleged links with the LTTE. President's Counsel Daya Perera who appeared on behalf of the suspect requested the Magistrate to release the suspect on bail.

The Chief Magistrate ordered the suspect to appear before the courts on July 19 and ordered the TID to submit reports on the investigations.