The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (1) postponed its decision on the bail application of Sugeeshwara Bandara, former private secretary to ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, until July 8 and ordered that he remain in remand custody until then.

Bandara was arrested on allegations of drawing two salaries under the Presidential expenditure head.

During the hearing, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department informed the court that they had recorded a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as part of their investigation.

Investigators said Rajapaksa had stated that he personally received the secretary’s allowance and that Bandara was appointed as his private secretary following his request, after which payment instructions were issued through the Presidential Secretariat’s Finance Division.

The CID further told court that during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration, Bandara was appointed Director General of the Special Projects Division of the Presidential Secretariat, and statements had been recorded from six officials attached to that division.

Some of those officials reportedly stated that the division carried out no official work, while others alleged it was used mainly for political activities.

Investigators also informed the court that around 135 individuals had been recruited to the division, most on a temporary basis, with over Rs. 220 million allegedly spent on salaries, vehicles, fuel, and other expenses. They argued that releasing the suspect on bail could hinder ongoing investigations into the alleged misuse of state funds.

Appearing for the defence, President’s Counsel Nalinda Indatissa argued that the statement given by former President Rajapaksa indicated his client had not received two salaries as alleged.

He further submitted that investigators had failed to produce sufficient evidence supporting the charges and claimed that the arrest was made without a proper investigation timeline, noting the complaint was received on June 12 and the arrest took place on June 18.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Pasan Amarasena postponed the bail ruling until July 8 and ordered that Bandara remain in remand custody until then.