Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara addressed concerns and denied misleading reports regarding the recent arrest and subsequent bail of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who was remanded for two days under the Money Laundering Act. The minister stated that allegations of the current government emulating the practices of previous administrations were unfounded and aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy.
In a special statement, the minister clarified that granting bail does not equate to acquittal. He criticized the public’s expectation of prolonged detentions and media spectacles, stating, “The public has become accustomed to media dramas where individuals are arrested, handcuffed, and remanded for about a month before being released. However, bail is a standard judicial process and does not signify innocence or guilt.”
Nanayakkara explained that Yoshitha Rajapaksa was not initially named as a suspect due to political pressures that had influenced investigations. He emphasized that once an individual is presented as a suspect, the judicial process includes recording statements and assessing the circumstances before deciding on bail.
The minister highlighted that, under the Bail Act, suspects are eligible for bail if they do not obstruct investigations, attempt to flee the country, or have prior convictions. Responding to criticism about the absence of handcuffs during Rajapaksa’s arrest, Nanayakkara stated that handcuffing is not a mandatory or decisive aspect of the legal process, dismissing the notion as irrelevant to the case’s progression.
Addressing concerns over the Attorney General and the Minister of Public Security, Nanayakkara reassured the public that the legal proceedings under the Money Laundering Act are underway. “All these issues, including any doubts raised, will be resolved within a month as the case progresses,” he asserted.
The minister’s statement comes amidst heightened scrutiny and public criticism, underscoring the government’s commitment to due process while dispelling rumors and clarifying procedural norms. Nanayakkara reiterated that justice would be served through proper legal channels, irrespective of public and media expectations.
