The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (30) ordered the forfeiture of bail money deposited by former Sri Lankan cricketer Aravinda de Silva and his wife on behalf of Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake, a suspect in the investigation into the Airbus deal.
Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued the order in relation to the bail provided for Wijenayake, the wife of late former airline executive Kapila Chandrasena.
Wijenayake had been released on two bail bonds of Rs. 20 million each. A lawyer representing the sureties informed the court that Rs. 20 million would be paid today.
The court permitted the payment and granted the sureties until October 14 to settle the remaining amount.
A warrant had been issued for Wijenayake after she failed to appear before court in connection with the Airbus deal investigation, with steps also taken to refer the warrant to Interpol.
The court was informed that Wijenayake had travelled overseas after being released on bail.
The sureties sought relief from the court, stating that Wijenayake was afraid to return to Sri Lanka following her husband’s death by suicide and due to fears for her own safety. They also told court that she was currently beyond their control.
However, the Magistrate rejected the request, noting that Wijenayake had failed to appear before court and that a warrant had been issued for her even before her husband’s death.
Meanwhile, an international warrant has also been issued for Shamindra Rajapaksa, the son of former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and the third suspect in the case.
