Shiranthi Rajapaksa Needs Heart Surgery; Gets Bail

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who had been remanded in custody following her arrest over corruption allegations, was today ordered to be released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.

Accordingly, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered that the suspect be released on a cash bail of Rs. 100,000 and two personal sureties of Rs. 10 million each. The court also imposed an overseas travel ban on the suspect.

The case relates to allegations that Rs. 10 million had been obtained from the National Savings Bank through the Siriliya Saviya Foundation, purportedly to provide a CT scanner to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, and that the machine was never supplied to the hospital while the funds were allegedly used for personal purposes.

The case was taken up again today before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

When the matter was called, the Magistrate examined a six-page medical report and covering letter submitted through prison authorities by the Director of the National Hospital of Colombo regarding the suspect's health condition.

The Magistrate stated that the report indicated that arteries supplying blood to the suspect's heart were blocked and that she required bypass surgery.

After reviewing the medical reports, President's Counsel Anil Silva, appearing for the suspect, informed court that medical specialists had recommended bypass surgery as the coronary artery supplying blood to the left side of her heart was blocked.

Thereafter, the Additional Solicitor General appearing for the prosecution objected to the granting of bail.

Delivering the bail order, the Colombo Chief Magistrate stated that the court accepted the suspect's current medical condition as a special circumstance and therefore ordered her release on bail.

Here's a translated excerpt of the statement made by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama:

"According to these medical reports, it is clearly stated that arteries carrying blood to the suspect's heart are blocked and the extent of those blockages has been specified. The medical report also outlines the treatment recommendations required for her condition. Accordingly, the court is of the view that special circumstances have arisen under Section 8(1) of the Public Property Act to grant bail to the suspect. Therefore, the suspect is ordered to be released on bail."

The case was postponed and is scheduled to be called again on December 11.