Ex-Minister Piyasena Gamage Granted Bail In Corruption Case

COLOMBO (News 1st);Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, has ordered the release of former Minister Piyasena Gamage on bail after he was arrested by the Bribery Commission on suspicion of corruption.

During the court proceedings, officials from the Bribery Commission stated that while serving as the Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training in 2015, the suspect had recruited 134 minor staff to the Department of Technical Education and Training from the Galle District, bypassing the established legal procedures. 

The investigating officers further revealed that these individuals were political supporters from the Galle District.

Additionally, investigations uncovered that the suspect had exerted undue influence to cancel the disciplinary-related transfer of N. Yogaraja, the Director of the Jaffna Technical College. The Bribery Commission officials asserted that through these actions, the former Minister had committed the offense of "corruption" by misappropriating his official powers.

After considering the facts presented, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered the suspect's release on two personal bails of Rs. 2 million each.

Furthermore, the Magistrate imposed a foreign travel ban on the suspect and warned him against influencing witnesses. The case is scheduled to be called again on August 21st.