CEA Chairman granted bail in alleged bribery case

The Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Supun Shashendra Pathirage, who was held in remand custody on alleged bribery charges, was granted bail today after appearing before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. 

The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Prasanna Alwis, ordered his release on a cash bail of Rs.25,000, along with two sureties of Rs.2.5 million each. 

This decision was made in light of insufficient evidence against the suspect. The Chief Magistrate noted that there were no substantial materials supporting the claim that the CEA Chairman solicited and accepted a bribe.

However, the situation differs for two other suspects involved in the case. Former Parliamentarian Chaminda Anuruddha Polgampala and Tenison Fonseka were directed to be further remanded until November 24.

The arrests were made by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The three suspects are accused of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs.10 million to facilitate the issuance of an environmental clearance license for a project related to refining furnace oil. The case continues to unfold, with further legal proceedings anticipated in the coming days.