Former Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, (Rtd) Major General Nanda Mallawaarachchi, has been released on bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate following an application to effect that there was a possibility of his arrest by the CID in connection with the procurement of sports equipment for the Ministry of Sports in 2014.

The defence counsel appearing for Major General Mallawaarachchi informed the court that the CID was attempting to arrest him over the procurement issue while he was serving as the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports in 2014.

State Counsel representing the CID stated that Mallawaarachchi had been named as a suspect in relation to an incident that occurred while he was serving as the Sports Ministry Secretary when Mahindananda Aluthgamage was the subject Minister.

The defence further informed the court that their client had already provided evidence as a prosecution witness in a corruption case filed by the Bribery Commission at the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar regarding the same incident. The defence further expressed dismay as to why his client was made a suspect after 10 years for a matter in which he had already provided evidence as a prosecution witness.

President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, appearing for the suspect, sought bail citing the 76-year-old’s deteriorating health condition. He also highlighted Mallawaarachchi’s service to the country, noting that he was the commanding army officer who led the Mavil Aru operation.

Considering these factors, Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura ordered the suspect’s release on two sureties of Rs. 5 million. President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, along with Sanjaya Marambe and Geeth Karunarathna appeared on behalf of the suspect.

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