Harsha Ilukpitiya’s bail application fixed for inquiry by Supreme Court

Colombo, January 29 (Daily Mirror)- A bail application submitted on behalf of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, was fixed for inquiry by the Supreme Court today.

Ilukpitiya has been in remand custody for nearly four months over a contempt of court proceedings.

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Gamini Amarasekara and Achala Wengappuli decided to fix the contempt matter for inquiry on May 8.

The Supreme Court had ordered Harsha Ilukpitiya to be remanded until the conclusion of the contempt of court proceedings for failing to implement the Court's order on the controversial visa deal. This order was issued against the respondent under Section 9(7) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal or Institution Act No. 08 of 2024.

Saliya Pieris PC appeared for Harsha Ilukpitiya while Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC appeared for Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda and Chandra Jayaratne. Senior Counsel Senani Dayaratne appeared for Transparency International Sri Lanka and Senior Counsel Suren Gnanaraj appeared for the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and several other petitioners. Dilrukshi Dias Wickremasinghe PC with Vishwa De Livera Tennakoon appeared for Attorney-at-Law S.M. Dissanayaka. Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena appeared for the Attorney General.