Overseas travel ban on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga relaxed temporarily

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, July 14 (Daily Mirror) - Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today temporarily relaxed the overseas travel ban imposed on former Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who is facing proceedings over a corruption-related investigation.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate made the order after considering a request by President's Counsel Anil Silva, who appeared on behalf of the former Minister.

Counsel for the suspect requested court to temporarily lift the overseas travel ban imposed on Ranatunga for the period from July 14 to August 2.

President's Counsel Silva further informed court that his client was required to travel overseas for personal reasons.

At the previous hearing, the Magistrate had directed that an order would be made after considering whether the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption had any objections to the request.

The suspect was arrested and later released on bail by the CIABOC over allegations that, in obtaining medical insurance coverage from the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation for employees of four institutions under the Ministry of Tourism, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, an undue benefit had been granted to a brokerage company, causing a loss of Rs. 4,750,828.72 to Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.