Anusha - Lalith ... bailed out!

Anusha - Lalith ... bailed out!

Former Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and former Director General of Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Anusha Pelpita who were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 3 years some days ago by High Courts for having directed TRC monies to distribute sil cloth to temples by going beyond the relevant circulars in order to bring victory to Mahinda Rajapaksa, Presidential candidate were released on bail by the same judge who

sentenced the punishment in High Court.

The Judge Mr. Gihan Kulatunga released them on bail by imposing several conditions. As such, both of them are expected to pay a cash bail of Rs. 1 lakh each and 3 sureties of 10 lakhs. One of those who provide cash bail should be a government servant and the other should be a close relative. In the same way both Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Pelpita should hand over their passport to courts and foreign travel is taboo to the two of them.

This bail was granted after considering a bail application. A bail application was forwarded through lawyers by Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Pelpita stating that an appeal was forwarded against the judgement passed on them. and therefore to grant them bail. It had been sent to the Attorney General when the case was heard on a previous occasion and bail has been granted after considering the opinion of the Attorney General.

The sentence imposed to be imprisoned for 3 years rigorous imprisonment and the payment of the fine of 1040 lakhs would be decided and finalised upon the decision of Appeal Courts. After 1 week duration of the imprisonment of both Anusha and Lalith, because of the issue related to the privileges they received in prison, the protest launched by the prison inmates, the transfer of the doctor who issues recommendations for the prison hospital and the sangha begging for alms was organised.

Whatever it is, the very moment both Anusha and Lalith were imposed punishment in prison, a special clandestine discussion took place between Mahinda including the United Opposition group with Premier Ranil and this was focused upon by the media. On that occasion unofficial sources say that discussions centred on having Anusha - Lalith released on bail; but what United Opposition remarked about it was the amendment of the constitution which was discussed that day.