Welgama granted bail

By Ishara Ratnakara-2016-02-17

Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya yesterday released UPFA and SLFP Kalutara District MP Kumara Welgama on bail in the case relating to allegedly having illegally paid a sum of Rs 3.2 million to the former Vice Chairman of the SLTB. The case was filed against him by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Former Transport Minister Welgama was released on a cash bail of Rs 25,000 and two sureties of Rs 1 million each. The case was put off for 24 March 2016 on which date specific charges against him will be read out in Court.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had filed charges against him alleging that in his capacity as the Minister of Transport he had created a position of Vice Chairman of the SLTB on 23 June 2010 and illegally authorized payment of a salary of Rs 3.2 million to the first Vice Chairman and thus causing the State a snowballing hefty loss in the process.

The Magistrate didn't sign the charge sheet against the MP yesterday due to the preliminary objections raised by the Defence Counsel.
Magistrate Pilapitiya stated that he would consider signing the charge sheet after perusal of the letter of appointment issued to the former SLTB Vice Chairman.
Joint Opposition MPs Dinesh Gunawardena, Bandula Gunawardena and several others were present in Court yesterday to follow proceedings in the case.
The case was fixed for 24 March.