Gold-Painted Rifle: Duminda Released on Bail

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Colombo High Court today (14) ordered the release on bail of former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who was in remand custody in connection with the discovery of a gold-painted T-56 assault rifle at a housing complex in Wellawatte.

High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne issued the order after considering a bail application filed by Dissanayake. 

The suspect was granted bail on a cash surety of Rs. 250,000 and two personal sureties of Rs. 5 million each.

The court also imposed a travel ban on the suspect and ordered that his passport be surrendered to the court.

Appearing on behalf of Dissanayake, President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis argued that his client was not in possession of the firearm at the time of arrest, and therefore, there was no legal basis to proceed with charges under the relevant laws. He further emphasized that the evidence presented did not justify the continuation of legal action against his client.

After reviewing the submissions, the High Court Judge ruled that the suspect be released on bail.