Mahindananda Aluthgamage released on bail

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage was released on bail today by the Colombo Fort Magistrate after submitting documentary evidence to say that his passport had been surrendered in connection with an earlier case. 

Mr Aluthgamage was arrested yesterday by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) yesterday on charges of misappropriating Government funds amounting to Rs.39 million in 2014 in the purchase of carrom and checker-boards. 

After being produced before courts, the Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered him released on a cash bail of Rs.35, 000 and two personal bails of Rs.500, 000 each. The court also prohibited Mr Aluthgamage from traveling overseas and ordered him to surrender his passport, 

Lawyers representing the former Minister told court that their client's passport was with the Colombo High Court after being surrendered due to another ongoing court case. However, they failed to provide documentary evidence to prove this, resulting in the court ordering that the suspect be remanded in custody. 

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