Wimal's Ex-Coordinator Remanded Again Over Vehicle Misuse Case

COLOMBO (News 1st); A former coordinating secretary to ex-Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been remanded until July 3 after being produced before court in connection with an alleged misuse of vehicles belonging to the State Engineering Corporation, resulting in a financial loss to the government.

The case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, where the suspect, identified as Krishantha Pradeep Silva, was ordered to be further remanded pending a decision on his bail application.

The Magistrate directed that the ruling on bail will be delivered at the next hearing date.

According to submissions made to court by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the suspect had received fuel and transport allowances in line with his official position.

However, investigators allege that in addition to these entitlements, he had misused four vehicles owned by the State Engineering Corporation on a rental basis, outside the scope of his official duties.

The CID informed court that this alleged misuse had caused a loss exceeding Rs. 1.265 million to the state.

Appearing for the suspect, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa told court that his client is suffering from a spinal nerve-related medical condition, urging that this be taken into consideration.

The defense further noted that investigations into the incident have been ongoing for more than a decade and requested that the suspect be granted bail.

After considering the facts presented, Magistrate Amarasena ruled that the suspect should remain in remand custody until July 3, when a decision regarding bail will be announced.