Shiranthi Rajapaksa held under special security at Welikada prison

Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who has been remanded until 13 October, is being held under special security at the Welikada Magazine Prison, the Department of Prisons said.

Prisons Department Spokesman and Commissioner Senaka Pallethenna said Rajapaksa had been placed in a secure location within the women’s section of the prison.

Rajapaksa was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations relating to the misappropriation of Rs. 10 million obtained from a state bank.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday ordered that she be remanded until 13 October.

The magistrate also directed prison officials to arrange for Rajapaksa to receive medical treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Rajapaksa was taken to Welikada Magazine Prison by prison bus on Wednesday evening.

Pallethenna said arrangements would be made to provide her with the necessary medical treatment in accordance with the court order.

Meanwhile, former National Savings Bank Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam, the husband of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, was released on bail in connection with the same case.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered his release on two sureties of Rs. 10 million each and also imposed a travel ban.