Bail granted to 25 suspects in illegal gem mining incident

Horana Magistrate Lakmini Vidanagamage ordered the release of 25 suspects held in remand custody regarding the illegal gem mining incident in the Wagawatta area of Kaluganga on August 3, on personal bail of 500,000 rupees each.

The suspects, residents of various areas such as Horana, Wagawatta, and Kirielle, fall within the age group of nineteen to thirty-five years.

This group remained in remand custody for a period of five days.

Attorney Roshan Dehiwela, appearing for the defence during this case, pointed out to the court that this offence does not fall under the Public Property Act, noting that if it were considered as such, even an accident on the expressway would fall under the Public Property Act.

Investigating officers presenting facts to the court pointed out that this group used machinery in broad daylight over a long period to carry out this activity, causing extensive environmental damage.

They highlighted that numerous gem mining equipment items, including fourteen boats and six motors, were seized, and that this illegal activity was carried out without any fear under the patronage of influential figures.

Attorneys Nalin Imbulagoda, Utpala Athukorala, and Thanu Kalubowila also presented facts on behalf of the suspects in court.

This raid was conducted by officers including Chief Inspector Ajith Shantha and Nissanka, under the direction of Chief Inspector Indika Weerasinghe, the Officer-in-Charge of the Panadura Walana Central Anti-Corruption Operations Squad.