Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after considering submissions made by officials of the Bribery Commission and the defence counsel.
Ratwatte was released on two surety bails of Rs. 1 million each, while a travel ban was also imposed on him. The case is scheduled to be taken up again on January 23.
The hearing was held in the Magistrate’s office due to a power outage in the courtroom.
Ratwatte, who previously served as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister, was arrested earlier in the day over allegations of causing a financial loss exceeding Rs. 90 million to the government in 2015. The charges relate to the procurement of 50 temporary crane warehouses through the State Commercial Miscellaneous Corporation, allegedly without following the proper procedures.
