Wimal Weerawansa's former coordinating secretary remanded

A former coordinating secretary to former minister Wimal Weerawansa has been remanded until July 3 over the alleged misuse of state vehicles.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued the order on Wednesday against the suspect, identified as Krishantha Pradeep Silva.

The Criminal Investigation Department informed the court that the suspect had misappropriated state funds exceeding 1.2 million rupees.

Investigators stated that while receiving official fuel and transport allowances, the suspect had additionally misused four rented vehicles belonging to the State Engineering Corporation.

The prosecution subsequently requested the suspect be remanded under the Penal Code and the Public Property Act.

Appearing for the defence, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa requested bail, stating his client suffers from a spinal neurological condition and noting that the investigation has been ongoing for over a decade.

The Magistrate ordered the suspect to be held in custody until the final ruling on the bail application is delivered on July 3.