Trade unionist Ananda Palitha, who was arrested by the CID for questioning over a controversial statement on the fuel status in the country was granted bail by Colombo Additional Magistrate’s court today.
According to NewsFirst, The CID had told the court that the suspect should not be granted bail and that if he was granted bail, he could make statements that would disrupt the lives of the people again.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema had pointed out to the CID that since the people of the country are given freedom of speech under Article 14 (1) of the Constitution, expressing opinions based on factual information is not a matter for remand, News First reported.
President’s Counsel Srinath Perera appearing for the suspect has pointed out that Petroleum Minister Udaya Gammanpila has stated that there is a fuel crisis in the country and it is not wrong for Ananda Palitha to make such a statement based on facts.
The case will be taken up again on September 29th. (NewsWire)