Ruling party candidate released on bail

(September 25,Matara, Sri Lanka Guardian) Nishantha Muthuhettigama, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) candidate for the Southern Provincial Council election who was in remand custody, was released on cash bail in Rs. 20,000 and surety bail amounting to Rs. 200,000 yesterday.

Based on a complaint lodged by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), an order was also issued for 10,000 rupees cash bail and surety bail amounting to Rs. 100,000 to be paid as well.

Additional magistrate of Galle, Geethani Wijesinghe issued this order subsequent to considering a bail application forwarded by the lawyers representing Muthuhetttigama.

When the motion was taken up, even thought the SSP of Galle, Keerthi Silva, who conducted the investigation did not object to bail being granted, a request was made to court to subject the suspect to severe bail conditions.

Thereby, the additional magistrate ordered that nothing should be done to disturb the peace.

Moreover, Muthuhettigama was also strongly advised against engaging in protests, attacking the offices of fellow candidates, posing threats and intimidating.

Muthuhettigama, after his release from remand custody, said that there had been a lot of obstacles but we would overcome all those within the next 16 days.

“Some media institutions gave a wrong interpretation to some of my statements. Even some politicians also did the same.

“The people of Galle know who I am. Likewise, by 4pm on October 10, the people of the Galle district will deliver a fitting reply to all these problems,” said Muthuhettigama.

-Sri Lanka Guardian