Justice Minister Clarifies Yoshitha Rajapaksa's Bail Situation

Minister of Justice, Harshana Nanayakkara, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the bail granted to Yoshitha Rajapaksa in a money laundering case. The Minister emphasized that the incident involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa dates back approximately eight years, and despite being involved, he was not named as a suspect for political reasons until recently.

Minister Nanayakkara further clarified that before an individual is formally indicted in the High Court, it is mandatory to question them as a suspect. The Attorney General has instructed for Yoshitha Rajapaksa to be presented in court for this procedure, which he asserts is part of the standard legal process.

According to the Bail Act, granting bail is normal as long as the investigation remains unaffected and the individual does not attempt to flee the country. A money laundering case will proceed against Rajapaksa, with further developments expected within the next month and a half. The Minister reassured the public that granting bail does not imply an acquittal.

Minister Nanayakkara also urged the public not to be misled by distorted media reports, stating that the coming months will reveal whether the current government will follow the established legal practices or introduce reforms. He urged patience as the situation unfolds.