Alleged Bribe to Influence Suspended Prison Sentence Leads to Remand

COLOMBO (News 1st); Chinari Lakmanthi Hettiarachchi, the wife of former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, who is currently in remand custody over bribery allegations, was ordered to be remanded until October 6 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today.

The suspect was arrested and produced before court in connection with allegations that she paid a Rs. 50,000 bribe to an office aide attached to the Colombo High Court in an attempt to influence a judge to grant her husband a suspended prison sentence.

Presenting facts to court, investigating officers stated that WhatsApp messages recovered from the mobile phone belonging to the first suspect, the office aide, had revealed communications linked to the alleged bribery arrangement.

Investigators told court that on August 14, 2026, a message saying “Charith come” had been sent to the first suspect. They further stated that on August 17, 2026, the office aide had allegedly replied to the suspect, saying, “I will let you know in two days whether I can do it or not.”

Investigation officers also informed court that on August 23, 2026, the first suspect had allegedly sent a WhatsApp message stating, “Madam, the work is done. Keep the money ready. I am coming now.”

According to investigators, the WhatsApp conversations also contained invoices and records allegedly connected to the transfer of money.

After considering the submissions made by investigators and the defence, the Chief Magistrate rejected the suspect’s bail application and ordered that Chinari Lakmanthi Hettiarachchi be remanded until October 6.