Bail Application for Harsha Ilukpitiya Scheduled for Inquiry by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has scheduled an inquiry into the bail application submitted on behalf of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, who has been in remand custody for nearly four months in connection with a contempt of court case.

A three-judge bench, comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Gamini Amarasekara, and Achala Wengappuli, fixed the contempt matter for inquiry on May 8. The case involves Ilukpitiya's failure to implement a Court order related to a controversial visa deal, which led to his remand under Section 9(7) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal or Institution Act No. 08 of 2024.

Senior Counsel Saliya Pieris appeared for Ilukpitiya, while Senior Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena represented Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda and Chandra Jayaratne. Senior Counsel Senani Dayaratne appeared for Transparency International Sri Lanka, and Senior Counsel Suren Gnanaraj represented the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, along with several other petitioners. Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena appeared for the Attorney General.

The Supreme Court's inquiry will determine the next steps in the case, which has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of key figures and organizations.