Former Minister Rohitha Bogollagama Remains in Remand Custody Over Failure to Fulfil Bail Conditions

07-Nov-2026

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Colombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela has ordered the release of former Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and three sureties. He had been remanded after failing to appear in court for trial following his earlier release on bail in a corruption case.

However, as he was unable to fulfil the bail conditions immediately, Bogollagama was taken back to prison.

According to the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in February 2020, Bogollagama is accused of causing financial loss to the State during his tenure as Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion. He allegedly induced the Chairman of the Board of Investment to authorise a payment exceeding Rs. 1.5 million, in violation of financial regulations, for participation in a trade exhibition held in London.

As he repeatedly failed to appear before court during the proceedings, an open warrant was issued against him and he was subsequently arrested. He will remain in remand custody until he fulfils the bail conditions.