A series of high-profile arrests saw four former lawmakers remanded today on charges ranging from corruption to assault, following separate court proceedings.
Former Parliamentarian Nimal Lanza was remanded until September 12 after surrendering to Kochchikade Police earlier in the day. He was produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court over alleged assault and unlawful entry during a protest in 2006.
Meanwhile, former Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa was ordered to be further remanded till September 12 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama. He is accused of conspiring to unlawfully obtain compensation for an unauthorised property damaged during the 2022 public uprising.
Former MP Athuraliye Rathana Thera was also remanded until September 12 after appearing before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court this morning.
In a separate case, former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne was ordered to be remanded until September 9. He is facing allegations of causing a financial loss exceeding Rs. 20 million to the government through the awarding of a sand mining project at the Kirinda Fisheries Harbour to a Korean company. The court further directed prison authorities to produce him before the Bribery Commission on September 3 to record a statement.
