Colombo (News 1st): IGP Pujith Jayasundara, who was sent on compulsory leave, and Ex-Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando were released on bail this afternoon by Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage as per the order given by the Colombo High Court this morning. The Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered the suspects to appear at the Criminal Investigations Department when summoned and provide statements when required. The case filed against them at the Colombo Additional Magistrate's Court will be taken up on the 06th of May.

What happened this morning (05)?

This morning, Ex-Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando was granted bail by Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakeratne. He was released on a cash bail of 250,000 rupees and two sureties of 2.5 Million Rupees each - both bondsmen must be residents from Colombo. In addition, he was ordered to appear at the CID on the final Sunday of every month and refrain from causing any influence on the witnesses from the prosecution and refrain from interfering with the investigations. Hemasiri Fernando was barred from traveling overseas as well.

What happened to the IGP thereafter?

Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandige this morning granted bail to IGP Pujith Jayasundara, who was sent on compulsory leave and remanded. He too was released on a cash bail of 250,000 rupees and two sureties of 2.5 Million Rupees each - both bondsmen must be residents from Colombo. In addition, he too was ordered to appear at the CID on the final Sunday of every month and refrain from causing any influence on the witnesses from the prosecution and refrain from interfering with the investigations.

Why were they arrested and remanded?

Hemasiri Fernando and Pujith Jayasundara were arrested and remanded for failing in their duties to take necessary action to prevent the April 21st attacks from taking place despite having credible intelligence regarding the attacks. The duo was in remand for more than 04 months.