The Registrar of the Minuwangoda District Court, who was arrested today (2) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has been remanded in custody until October 6.

The Registrar was arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the offering of a Rs. 50,000 bribe to a staff member of the Colombo High Court, in an attempt to obtain a favourable verdict in a case involving former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena.

Accordingly, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered that the registrar be remanded in custody until October 6.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after considering submissions made by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption and the suspect’s defence counsel.

CIABOC officers informed the court that the investigation had been initiated following a complaint lodged by Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela.

The officers further stated that a court employee named Charith had previously been arrested in connection with the case. Information regarding the current suspect had come to light during an examination of WhatsApp messages found on Charith’s mobile phone.

According to CIABOC officials, voice messages and text messages concerning the alleged bribe transaction had been exchanged between the suspect and Charith. The officials also informed the court that the suspect had deleted the WhatsApp application from his mobile phone.

Requesting that the suspect be remanded in custody, CIABOC officers informed the court that investigations into the incident were still ongoing.

Appearing on behalf of the suspect, defence counsel submitted that his client had not received any money in connection with the incident.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered that the suspect be remanded in custody until October 6.