Former Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has been granted bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court in connection with corruption allegations, though he faces restrictions on foreign travel.
Former Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam was released on bail today by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court following his remand in connection with corruption-related allegations. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama approved the release of Kariyawasam on a personal bail bond of Rs. 5 million. The court simultaneously granted bail to Deepal Sanjeewa, an employee at a fuel station operated by Kariyawasam, under identical bail conditions.
Kariyawasam faces allegations that his actions resulted in losses exceeding Rs. 2.7 million to the State. According to the charges, he recruited four individuals on temporary contracts to the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor and subsequently deployed them for personal work. Sanjeewa, who was appointed as a Management Assistant in the public service, is accused of simultaneously maintaining employment at the former minister's private fuel station while receiving government compensation, thereby causing financial losses to the Government. Sanjeewa was arrested on August 12 and has remained in custody pending investigation.
As a condition of their release, both suspects have been placed under an overseas travel ban, restricting their ability to leave the country during the proceedings. The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court scheduled the case for further hearing on October 20, with investigations and legal proceedings continuing in the interim.
